Photos of Today's High School Regatta Competition

More Photos Here.

Rowing at Benderson this weekend

Some images from the high schools rowing regatta at Benderson Park this weekend. Today was set-up day:

Action from Neighborhoods and County

A commendatory note from Don Schultz of the Bee Ride Neighborhoods Committee:

The Sarasota County Parks Department followed our recommendations to install a pedestrian walk from Bee Ridge Road to the park entrance and to improve the cross walks at the Iona and Bee Ridge intersection. We called them about these omissions when the park opened .They appreciated our feedback and responded positively. 

This is a good illustration of what a neigborhood organization can accomplish through positive action and attention to what is taking place with new developments and projects. Children and adults will be safer as they walk to the park.

April in the park

This evening Rothenbach was quite nice - the rain had cooled things off, towards 5 p.m. the air was cool and fresh. Two children's parties were going on at the Pavilion, the play areas were getting lots of use.

We road down along the 2.75-mile bike path through the hammock, and stopped four times for armadillo sightings. The third armadillo caught sight of us on our bicycles and literally jumped at least a foot into the air, then ran for cover. Never saw one move that fast before.

Some folks were hiking along the trails; others were bicycling. Someone was stunt flying a model plane with superb skill. Wildflowers graced the open patches of ground.

Some pics from last Saturday's Eco-Egg Hunt

Where a great time was had by all:

Eco-Egg Hunt this Saturday

This Saturday, April 3, bring the kids out to the Rothenbach Park Eco-Egg Hunt.

Instead of eggs, we'll be picking up Air Potatoes from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. - bring the family!

• wear socks and tennis shoes
• have some pink lemonade
• kids will win candy for their efforts.

Air potatoes are an invasive plant that harms native vegetation and disrupts native habitat. This event is designed as a fun way for young and old to give back to your community.

At Rothenbach Park, 8350 Bee Ridge Road

Take Bee Ridge east past I-75, until it dead ends at Rothenbach Park. Continue into the park, past the gate, turn right and park in the playground/shelter area.

A few shots from the Tour de Parks, Rothenbach Park

Bicyclists from Illinois

Families in the Tour de Parks

Parks and Rec Manager John McCarthy, mini-cam 

on helm, and Walt Rothenbach

Congratulations to the more than 80 cyclists who came through the Rothenbach Park rest area on Sunday!

Close to a ton

That's how many air potatoes a crew of volunteers collected at the park on Saturday - the bags and buckets stuffed with the invasive seeds were actually weighed before being sent to the dumpster. Below are some of the valiant helpers - thanks to all!

Tour de Parks heading for Rothenbach

If you're coming out to Rothenbach Park Sunday morning, expect to see a number of bicyclists from the Tour de Parks - at last count, we're expecting 87 riders to make it all the way from Venice. Voulunteers will be on hand with water, snacks, and even an electric tire pump.

Volunteer for a Fun Time! Saturday, March 27th, 9 a.m. to Noon

The air potato plant covers trees and plants with its abundant green leaves. While some might find the look appealing, it is in fact a dangerous invasive plant that suffocates the native plant life it uses for support.

In order to support our park's native plants, it is necessary to remove as many invasive plants as possible.  On March 27th, the Friends of Rothenbach Park are holding a fun day event aimed at removing those plants while creating a picnic atmosphere with light snacks and camaraderie.

Please join us at in beautifying our park as we go along the trail removing invasive air potato bulbs and their vines.

 Families and volunteers of all ages are welcome. A County Park Naturalist will be on hand to answer your questions.

Bring:

• a hat
• gloves 
• bottled water
• a bike

 and wear closed-toe shoes.

Work will begin at 9 a.m. When you arrive, park in the shell parking lot and register there as a volunteer. If you know of any high school students who need community service hours, this is a good opportunity for them.

 If you haven't been on Rothenbach Park's trails, they are beautiful. Park in the shell parking lot -- from there, signs will direct you to the work site. Bring your bikes to ride or it is a shady 26-minute walk.

Thanks for volunteering.

Rothenbach Park is located at 8659 Bee Ridge Road. Drive 1.5 miles East of Interstate 75 on Bee Ridge Road to the four-way stop. The park entrance is visible from here.

If you have questions, please call Connie at 371-1180 or email rothenbachpark05@gmail.com - Thank you!