About the Park
- Dogs are not allowed in this park
- The outlying picnic areas with two picnic tables and a grill are first come first serve.They are limited to groups of 16 or less. One standard pop-up tent and one folding table are allowed.
- Parking Fee is $1 per hour or $5 per day. Lee County Parking Stickers are valid at this location and may be purchased online or at one of the recreation centers or Terry Park.
- Vehicles with a disabled veteran license plate (DAV), specific mechanical modifications for disability accommodation, and those with Florida Toll Exemption pass do not need to pay for parking.
- The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation maintains several gardens on the site including a children's garden, community garden, fragrance garden, and succulent garden.
- The Railroad Museum of Southwest Florida is located at this park and offers miniature train rides Ph 239-267-1905.
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Volunteer Opportunities are available at this park.
- View the Lakes Park Overview Map.
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E.Z. Rider Program is an assisted tour service by reservation. Call (239) 533-7578 to schedule.
Rentals
- Bicycle and boat rentals are available through
Wheel Fun Rentals. Ph 239-332-2453
- Pavilions are available to rent online or calling (239) 533-7578. The Lodge, Amphitheater and Garden Gazebo may only be reserved by calling (239) 533-7578. The earliest your reservation may be done is no more than 181 days prior to your event date. Book ahead of time because they typically book 4-6 months in advance!
- Facility Rental Information for Lakes Regional Park
- Rentals are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of the Lodge which is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shelter A1 to A-8 are small shelters
Rental fee is $25.00
Accomodates 36 people Size is 20 x 20 = 400 They are open air shelters with 6 6'x3' picnic tables and 2 grills on the outside of it. .
Shelters B1 to B-4 are medium sheltrs
Rental fee is $50.00 Accomodates 90 people Size is 26 x 43 = 1118 This is an open air shelter with 12 6'x3' picnic tables and a built in chimney style grill.
Shelter C1 and D-1 are large shelters
Rental fee is $50.00 120 people
Size is 53 x 32 = 1696 Time 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is an open air shelter with 16 6'x3' picnic tables and a separate covered 4 pit grill area.
Lodge Rental fee is $150 (with a $250.00 refundable deposit) Your deposit may be withheld if any damage is done or not returned in satisfactory condition Accomodates 90 people Size is 47 x 53= 2491 Time 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a screend in shelter with private restrooms, 15 5-foot round tables plus seating for 90 and 3 additional 6x3-foot banquet tables for you to set up as needed , a kitchen (featuring a seperatre refrigerator, large freezer, ice maker and an oven with a cook top stove, also a microwave), and a grill just outside the lodge. *Tables and chairs must be cleaned and put away before leaving. *You may want to consider bringing a wagon to help you transport your items to and from this location. Lot 3. Amphitheater Rental fee is $25.00
Accomodates 50 people 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a covered stage with bench seating that accomodates 50 people when using stage for a performance, meeting or ceremony. Using stage as a shelter there are 4 picnic tables and a grill.You will need to walk to this area as no vehicles are permitted. *You may want to consider bringing a wagon to help you transport your items to and from this location.
Garden Gazebo area Rental fee is $25.00 Accomodates 75 people 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a white gazebo in the Fragrance Garden that is designated for weddings. No seating provided. *You may want to consider bringing a wagon to help you transport your items to and from this location.If you are planing to have your reception here you will need to reserve an additional shelter as this location is for your cereimony only.
Facilities nearest wedding ceremony locations (Garden Gazebo and Amphitheater): Lodge and Shelters C1, A8 and B4 Patron vehicles are not allowed in the event field north of Parking Lot 3. If family members are in need of transportation assistance, consider renting a multi-passenger bicycle from Wheel Fun Rentals at 239-332-2453 https://wheelfunrentals.com/fl/fort-myers/lakes-regional-park/.
Lakes Regional Park began as a man-made area where rock was quarried during the 1960's. The water comes from groundwater influx, surface water run-off and rainfall. The depth varies from a few inches to over 20 feet. It covers 158 acres of the 279 acre facility. It was purchased by the County in 1978. In 1982 ground was broken and it was developed for recreational use with the official "Grand Opening" on April 21, 1984. The basic facility has remained relatively unchanged since then with a few exceptions. In 1991 the "Fragrance Garden" was introduced and has grown from a small area of fragrant herbs, flowers and plants to a botanical type status with wide variety of plants, trees, shrubs and ground cover. In addition to this a "Memory Lane" was also started. This is achieved by monetary donations which dedicate Trees, shrubs, plants or benches to the memory of loved ones that are designated by plaques. The Lakes Regional Park Botanic Garden is in the conceptual phase. Fred Johnson, former Planning Manager for Lee County Parks, and Greg Diserio, Partner at David Jones Jr. and Associates, collaborated on the project. A presentation meeting was held on March 19th at Lakes Park. The concept plan will be available to view soon. In 1992 the re-alignment of Gladiolus Drive brought changes to the entrance of the facility and initiated the process of exotic vegetation removal and the replanting of native species, which continues today. In 1995 the "Miniature Railroad" opened for business. This is a scale model railroad that offers a 15 minute ride through the northern areas of the park. The ride runs beside the lake, through a tunnel and past several displays, such as scale villages, towns and natural areas. In 2004, the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation a 501.C(3) non for profit group was formed. This organization is organized by Lee County business leaders along with dedicated citizens who recognize Lakes Regional Park as an extremely important green area in Lee County. This foundation is dedicated to helping restore Lakes Regional Park to a native Florida wildlife environment through assisting Lee County Parks & Recreation with the implementation of its Master Plan. The plan includes themed areas of native vegetation, additional meandering boardwalks, paths and nature trails through the Lakes preserve and new park amenities. In 2014, three outdoor total body fitness stations were added to offer dozens of exercise options, from basic stretching and stair steps to more strenuous pull-ups and squats. Two more stations will be added along the biking and jogging trail once donations are secured. This equipment also includes fitness guides for beginners and advanced athletes, suggested daily workout schedules and accompanying videos that users can view from a smart phone. Overall, the future restoration and enhancements will create an even more attractive wildlife environment for the community to enjoy. If you are interested in being a member of this group to help restore and preserve this beautiful park please call (239) 533-7575 (ext. 5) or visit Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation.
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