It was a one stop shop for information at the Yacht Club on Saturday when the city’s Parks and Recreations Department showcased its programs and facilities. Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Day, Marketing Director Michelle Dean said the day was about bringing information to the people, letting them know that Cape Coral offers more than just a day in the park.
“We’re fortunate to be able to offer traditional things like playgrounds, but also specialty programs and facilities,” Dean added.
Previously, the department celebrated National Parks and Recreation Day at locations throughout the city, but Dean said unifying their efforts at the Yacht Club was a way to reach more people.
The city used to mail out a program guide to all residents, but have since put that information online.
Dean said they’ve began utilizing social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook to advertise their efforts, but Saturday’s showcase was an opportunity to interact with people in a one on one setting, answer some questions and hand out free ice cream on a hit day.
Some people came out specifically for the event, while others just wandered up while enjoying the day at the beach.
“As we all know budgets are tight and this is a convenient way to showcase what we have to offer,” she said.
Cape resident Iskra Roque had already taken a few classes at the Cape Coral Arts Studio, but on Saturday she learned more about not only the Arts Studio, but all of the city’s Parks and Recreation programs.
“We learned about some classes and programs they offer we didn’t know about,” Roque said. “And I learned more about the Arts Studio in particular.”
Barbara Piskorz was taking the time to educate people about the Special Populations program during the event, saying that many didn’t know what the program was all about.
Piskorz also said many didn’t know that Pop’s Café, located at City Hall, is open to everyone, not just those who are working at the municipal building off Cultural Park Boulevard.
The café not only offers job training but is also a very important cog in the Special Populations program.
“We just need more people to stop by and have lunch. Everything is made fresh every day,” Piskorz said.
To learn more about the city’s Parks and Recreation Department visit them online at capecoral.net , or call 573-3128.