Rotary Park Environmental Center

Please note - this preserve contains marshland and is very swampy at certain times of the year. That means be prepared for mosquitos when you visit

There are several rugged trails at Rotary Park and a boardwalk at Glover Bight which is a wheelchair accessible 3/10 mile boardwalk, located within Rotary Park.  The walkway meanders through mangrove wetlands and ends at Glover Bight, an area of oyster bars and shallow flats that is a great place to view wading birds, especially during low tide.

Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Rotary Park has a rugged trail that is less than one mile long and passes through uplands & salt marshes. Possible wildlife sightings include gopher tortoises, alligators, snakes and a large variety of wading & migratory birds. At times, sections of this trail may be under water, particularly during the rainy season, so visitors should wear appropriate footwear.

Also at Rotary Park is a trail known as the Glover Bight Trail. This is a boardwalk, so it is wheelchair accessible; it passes through mangrove wetlands and ends at Glover Bight. Glover Bight is a broad area of oyster bars & shallow flats that is a good area to view wading birds, especially during low tide. Both trails have observation towers that people can climb to get a bird’s eye view of the area. (Note: As of May 14, 2020 the observation tower at Rotary Park has been renovated and reopened to the public.) A good time of day to come to the park is early in the morning. Walk quietly for the best chance to see wildlife. Please keep in mind these are nature trails, so NO running, biking, or dogs are permitted on the trails.

The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House was established in 2009 and is maintained by volunteers from the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. Access to the Butterfly House is limited to free guided tours, which are currently being offered on Monday, Friday and Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m.

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PROGRAMS & CLASSES
Numerous activities for children and adults are held at Rotary Park throughout the year. Yoga, butterfly gardening, informational programs about wildlife, paint-n-sip parties, summer camp, guided walking and paddling tours, and more. Please check the Parks & Recreation program guide to see the current schedule. 

Eco-Adventure Nature Camp - Children will experience tons of fun at this nature camp with plenty of indoor & outdoor activities such as hiking & exploring in the swamp, learning about the creatures that inhabit the park, plus cooperative games, sports, and crafts. Camp meets from 8:00am - 5:00pm. $100 per week. 

Looking to come to Rotary Park for a field trip? Check out our rates & options here.

Visit the Liam J. Perk Playground or try out the exercise equipment sprinkled throughout the park. Please visit the Liam J. Perk Foundation website for Liam's story. http://www.liamjperkfoundation.com/

Rotary Park plans several excellent events throughout the year, including the annual Burrowing Owl Festival, a semi-annual native, butterfly & edible plant sale, Just for Fun Dog Show, Family Camp Out at Jaycee Park, a Polynesian Show, Star Gazing party. Check the current program guide or Activity Calendar for details of upcoming events.

The City of Cape Coral encourages all residents to embrace the University of Florida’s “Florida Yards & Neighborhoods” program. There are many free, informative classes held at Rotary.

Pets are not permitted on athletic fields, playgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, nature trails, or boardwalks, but there is a dog park in Cape Coral located at Rotary Park for our four-legged friends. Wagging Tails Dog Park includes a 1.25 acre fenced in area for small and large dogs, as well as several park benches and shaded areas for owners to socialize while their pets play and interact with other dogs. Registration is required to use Cape Coral's only dog park. 

Registration Information:  The fee for fiscal year 2023 is $20 per dog. Registration for the dog park goes by the City's fiscal year, which runs annually from October 1 through September 30. No matter when you register, the registration will be paid through the end of September. There is no pro-rating or daily rate.

--> Click here for 2023 Registration Form

Completed forms and annual dues can be paid in the Rotary Park office from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding government holidays and special events, or sent by mail. For more information, call 239-549-4606.

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Kayak rentals are available at Eco Preserve on weekends only from November through May. Single and tandem kayaks are available.
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