“Parks on the Air” (POTA) is an amateur radio activity that involves operating radio stations from designated parks and nature reserves. The primary goal of Parks on the Air is to combine the enjoyment of outdoor activities with amateur radio operations, promoting portable operations and encouraging radio operators to activate and chase stations in parks.

The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club will be activated at the Collier-Seminole State Park, 20200 Tamiami Trail E. Naples FL 34114 at 8 a.m until 1 p.m. Florida State Parks describes the 7,271-acre Collier-Seminole State Park lies par.tly within the great mangrove swamp of South Florida, one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. A wide variety of wildlife, including several imperiled species, inhabit this unusual blend of temperate and tropical native plant communities.

The park is the site of a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the last existing Bay City Walking Dredge. Built in 1924, it was used to build the Tamiami Trail Highway (U.S. 41) through the Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp, linking Tampa and Miami and opening Southwest Florida to travelers.

Here’s how Parks on the Air typically works:

1. Activation: Amateur radio operators (known as activators) set up their radio stations in parks, nature reserves, or other qualifying outdoor locations. They operate portable stations using battery power, generators, or other alternative power sources. The activator then makes contact with other amateur radio stations, earning points for each contact made.

Stephen Hoch, WU3I, operates at Winter Field Day 2024. Image credit Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club

2. Chasing: Other amateur radio operators (chasers) attempt to make contact with the activated park stations from their own locations. Chasers accumulate points based on their successful contacts with activators.

3. Park Designations: Parks on the Air designate specific parks and nature reserves as valid entities for the activity. Each park has a unique identifier, and operators can check the POTA website or database for a list of currently active parks and their identifiers.

4. Scoring: Points are awarded based on the number of contacts made, and additional points may be earned for activating or contacting parks during special events or under specific conditions.

5. Promotion of Outdoor Activity: Parks on the Air encourage amateur radio operators to enjoy the outdoors while engaging in their hobby. It promotes physical activity, nature appreciation, and community among radio operators.

Parks on the Air is similar to other outdoor radio activities like Summits on the Air (SOTA) and Islands on the Air (IOTA), each with a specific focus on activating and chasing stations from different types of locations. These activities not only enhance the overall experience of amateur radio but also contribute to the skills and preparedness of operators in operating portable stations in different environments.

Established in 1957, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, Inc. has been dedicated to fostering camaraderie among individuals with a shared passion for Amateur Radio. With a commitment to facilitating the exchange of information, promoting electronics and amateur radio knowledge, advocating for good radio operating practices, and advancing the art of Amateur Radio, the club strives to create a vibrant community. Additionally, the club actively sponsors and promotes various activities related to amateur radio, provides crucial public service during emergencies and actively engages in other community initiatives. FMARC is affiliated with and sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), which is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information, and resources.

To learn more about the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC), please visit https://www.fmarc.net; POTA@fmarc.net, Parks on the Air at https://parksontheair.com, or the Collier-Seminole Park at https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/collier-seminole-state-park.