Another hot day in Central Florida with the occasional rain downpour every two hours. I have been troubled over the recent pending plans to close one of the two nearby Nature Parks in my area.

Bonner Park and Largo Nature Preserve are the two parks that currently have their heads on the chopping block. Slated to close by October to my understanding.

I had never been to Bonner Park so yesterday I took a ride over to see what I had been missing. Largo Nature Park is one of my most favorite birding spots and home to some of my most treasured bird photos. Bonner Park seems to be a bit smaller than Largo Park and if I had to choose between the two I would select Largo Park to keep. As I arrived at the end of the boardwalk I was greeted by an older gentleman sitting on a bench leaning on his walking stick taking in the view of the Inter-coastal waterway.

The conversation of closing the parks surfaced as we both begin to give our two cents worth. He walks this park most everyday and was saddened of the possibility of its closing as are many others around the area. However, one block away is yet another park that to me seems a bit more functional than Bonner and it is that of McGough Nature Park. It includes nature trails, picnic areas and shelters, a playground, restrooms and a boardwalk which leads to a panoramic view of the Inter-coastal. Nature walks, environmental programs and numerous eco-courses are given throughout the year.

So my thinking was at least the people in this area can still enjoy a nice park nearby just by adding a few more steps to their walk. Although I am not condemning Bonner Park at all, I hate to see any of these parks close. Each one serves a community quite well and it saddens me to see them suffer because of our economy.

Rumor has it that both of these parks could close and from the looks of Largo Nature Park I am thinking this rumor to be true. After leaving Bonner Park I headed over to my favored Largo Preserve Park. Two weeks ago I was here and I noticed the lack of care within the park. The grass had not been mowed around the trail and weeds were getting out of hand. Today, no better. More weeds and the grass even taller. It was almost an weird feeling walking the trail with grass and weeds standing waist high. The last visit a snake fell from a tree right in front of me.

I have photographed three families of Osprey here, a family of Red Shouldered Hawks, and many other species of birds. Never have I been disappointed with a trip to Largo Nature Preserve. But now, my walk through the park is filled with despair and saddened that our officials can do nothing more than cut budgets. I have an idea! What about cutting out the July 4th Fireworks show every year.

What did fireworks ever do for us?

O the latest news is from the local newspaper.
Mayor Pat Gerard said that no decision has been made by commissioners to close the parks; the proposal is a budget recommendation.

We have no intention of selling the land ever, she said

Discussion of the recommendations will be at the Finance Advisory Board on July 13 and July 20 and the City Commission work sessions in August, and at two public hearings on the budget in September.

In order to achieve that reduction, a number of personnel and operations had to be proposed for elimination, a city memo said, regarding the two parks.

The Largo Nature Preserve is at 150 Highland Ave. It has a two-story observation tower, canoe and kayak trail, nature trails and boardwalks and picnic shelter.

To be cont!

Largo Nature Preserve, Bonner park