Lehigh Acres community pool. FILE PHOTO

Lehigh Acres, a sprawling community in east Lee County encompassing 96 square miles, is one of largest residential communities in the state of Florida. While the community continues to build and expand with local businesses, it keeps its suburban feel and offers a plethora of outdoor activities that residents and visitors of all ages can enjoy. The Lehigh Acres Municipal District and Lee County government continue to work together to provide destinations the whole family can visit throughout the year including the upcoming East Lakes Park.

PLACES TO GO

Veterans Park and Recreation Center

The center remains a focal point of the community when it comes to offering classes and programs for children and adults as well as community events that everyone – visitors included – can attend. Directly next to the rec center sits Veterans Park, a 95-acre park with three playgrounds – a boulder playground, a traditional playground and a splash playground. There is a lodge with a full-kitchen for rent, as well as various pavilions around the property. The park also includes tennis courts, basketball courts, softball fields and a skate park. The Paws 4 Duty Dog Park is in close proximity to the rec center and is the perfect place to take your four-legged, canine friend.

More info: www.leegov.com/parks/centers/veterans or 239-369-1521

Address: 55 Homestead Road South

Lehigh Acres Park and Community Pool

The pool is a popular destination year-round given Florida’s heat. The 169,800 gallon, eight- lane, saltwater, heated pool is open to the public. The facility is back open to its full capacity and has resumed all swim classes for kids and adults. Classes of all levels are offered throughout the year for all ages taught by swim instructors certified through the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Program. Lap lanes are provided for swimmers and Water Exercise and Arthritis Foundation classes are offered throughout the year on weekdays. Price of admission is $3 Adults, $2 Seniors (55 years and older), and $2 Children (under 18 years). Beside the pool is Lehigh Acres Community Park North. The park has three baseball fields, one softball field, one football field, one practice field, three pavilions, two tennis courts, a playground and ENERGI Exercise stations available for those 13 years and older. The park continues to expand to meet the needs of Pop Warner football and Little League baseball.

More info: www.leegov.com/parks/pools/lehighpool or 239-369-82377

Address: 1400 West Fifth Street

Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park

The park offers a half mile, paved, multi-use trail that encircles a 3-acre replicated prairie. It also includes restrooms, picnic pavilions, a boardwalk/observation area overlooking the prairie, an outdoor fitness area, benches and dog stations. Owners can bring their leashed dogs for jaunts around the park’s trail.

More info: www.leegov.com/parks/dog-parks/lehightrailhead

Address: 213 David Avenue

Harns Marsh Preserve

The 500-acre plus preserve is a bird-watcher’s dream. Visitors never know what they will encounter from the tall Sandhill Crane to the stunning Southern Crested Caracara. There is an abundance of other local wildlife to enjoy, including alligators, turtles and river otters. Recently the West Marsh, an adjacent area to Harns Marsh, was opened to the public and offers a great hike for those looking to explore Lehigh’s beautiful outdoors.

More info: www.myecwcd.net/harns-marsh

Address: 38th Street West

THINGS TO DO

Pelican’s SnoBalls & Mini Golf

Pelican’s is regionally known for its New Orleans-style shaved ice that combines smooth, fluffy snow with more than 100 bold flavors. Pelican’s offers an 18-hole mini golf for just $5 with kids under 3 free.

More info: https://pelicanssnoballs.com or 239-674-7654.

Address: 601 Williams Avenue

Lehigh Lanes Bowling Center

Formerly known as Bowland, this is the perfect place to go with a group of friends or take the kids for a game of bowling. They offer league play and weekly special events.

More info: https://lehighlanes.com or 239-369-5817

Address: 1244 Business Way