Venice Area Audubon Rookery

4006 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice

Also features: Internationally known to bird photographers, is freely open to all visitors from 6 a.m. to sunset every day of the year. A covered pavilion provides front row seats to birds coming into the Rookery at sunset.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BATS

Oct. 29 / Ages: 8 and up / Fee: Free / Meet at Venice Area Audubon building / Thursday, 5:45-7:15 p.m. Join Dr. Katherine Clements, ecology and natural resources educator with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, for a discussion on one of our most misunderstood mammals: bats! We will discuss the natural history, fun facts, and beneficial aspects of bats, and then take a sunset stroll to see the bats emerge from their houses! To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/156150228537.

With more than 55,000 acres of parks and preserves, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources invites you to explore our beautiful county. For a complete list of parks and preserves, visit scgov.net/parks.

Think before you throw… No matter where you go.

DID YOU KNOW there are 160 parks and 216 employees working within Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources?

Twin Lakes Park Baseball Field

Nokomis Community Park Basketball Court

Venice Community Center

Rental facilities at Sarasota County Parks

With rental spaces both inside and out, we can accommodate everything from a small private party to a business expo, a sports tournament or a wedding reception.

View facilities and request reservations at scgov.net/parks, or call 941-861-5000.

Siesta Beach Shelter

Phillippi Estate Park Gazebo

Lemon Bay Park Pavilion

DID YOU KNOW Sarasota County has more than 35 miles of beaches?

BLIND PASS BEACH PARK BROHARD PARK CASPERSEN BEACH PARK LIDO BEACH MANASOTA BEACH PARK NOKOMIS BEACH PARK NORTH JETTY PARK NORTH LIDO BEACH SERVICE CLUB PARK SIESTA BEACH TED SPERLING PARK AT SOUTH LIDO BEACH TURTLE BEACH PARK VENICE BEACH

Lifeguarded beach

T-REC COALITION PROGRAMS

The T-REC Coalition of Sarasota County is comprised of multiple local agencies working together to provide year-round recreational opportunities for teens and adults with disabilities.

For more information about T-REC, or about these therapeutic recreation programs, please call 941-861-5000 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

HAPPY HEARTS

Year-round, second Saturday, 1-3 p.m. Ages: 16 and up Fee: Free / Nokomis Community Park, Main Hall

Inspiration, encouragement and fun for teens and adults with disabilities in a faith-based, nondenominational setting. For details, call Stephanie Bartlett at 941-416-4669.

FOREVER FRIENDS

Year-round, third Saturday, 1-3 p.m. Ages: 10 and up Fee: Free / Bee Ridge Park, Room B

Join the volunteers of Forever Friends for an afternoon of fun, inspiration and activities. For details, call Denise Rizzo at 941-480-9390, email ForeverFriendsInc@yahoo.com or visit foreverfriendsinc.org.

T-REC SUMMER DANCE

June 26, Saturday, 7-8:30 p.m. Ages: 13 and up Fee: Free / Nokomis Community Park, Main Hall

Come to dance the night away with your friends while requesting your favorite tunes. To RSVP or for more information, please call 941-486-2753. For more information, contact corissa.leung@diveheart.org.

WATER EXERCISE CLASSES

June 30, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25 and Sept. 8, Wednesdays, 11:05-11:50 a.m. Ages: 16 and up Fee: Free / Arlington Park, Instructional pool

All teens and adults with disabilities as well as families and caregivers are invited to attend. Each class will include a warm-up and cool down. Swim noodles will be utilized. For details, call 941-486-2753.

T-REC SUMMER CELEBRATION

Aug. 18, Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages: 13 and up Fee: Free / Venice Community Center, Rooms A, B

Enjoy music, activities and fun! Bring your lunch, and save room for the infamous ice cream sundae bar. RSVP to 941-486-2753.

T-REC SOCIAL CLUB-LASER TAG

Aug. 20, Friday, 6-8 p.m. Ages: 13 and up Fee: Free / Morgan Family Community Center

We welcome all teens and adults with disabilities to have the opportunity to socialize with new friends, learn to plan their leisure activities, and engage with their community. Participants use infrared-emitting light guns to tag designated targets. When the beam hits a sensor, that player scores a point and eliminates the opposing team player. Please note: This activity might not be appropriate if you have photo sensitivity concerns or suffer from seizures. For details and directions, call 941-429-7275.

DIVEHEART PROGRAM

Sept. 18, Saturday, 1-3 p.m. Ages: 10 and up Fee: Free / Arlington Park, Instructional pool

This program provides educational scuba diving to any child, adult or veteran with a disability, with the hope of providing both physical and psychological value to that person. Registration is required in advance.

POOL PARTY

Sept. 23, Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages: 16 and up Fee: Free / Arlington Park, Instructional pool

Join us for a fun-filled day at Arlington Park pool. Don’t forget your sunscreen and towel. Bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy at the park. RSVP to 941-486-2753.

COSTUME MASQUERADE BALL

Oct. 29, Friday, 6:30-8 p.m. Ages: 16 and up Fee: Free / Longwood Park, Gymnasium

Dress up in your favorite costume and come ready to dance. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes. Light refreshments will be served. For details, call 941-486-2753.

T-REC KARAOKE NIGHT

Nov. 12, Friday, 6:30-8 p.m. Ages: 13 and up Fee: Free / Nokomis Community Park, Main Hall

Come sing your heart out or just hang out with friends! Please call 941-486-2753 for more details.

T-REC SOCIAL CLUB-MINI FISHING CLINIC

Nov. 19, Friday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Ages: 13 and up Fee: Free / Morgan Family Community Center

Participants will have the opportunity to learn basic fishing skills such as knot tying, casting, and baiting the hook. For details and directions, call 941-429-7275.

T-REC HOLIDAY PARTY

Dec. 17, Friday, 4-5:30 p.m. Ages: 13 and up Fee: Free / Laurel Park, Room A/B

All individuals with disabilities and caregivers are invited to come join us for holiday crafts and music. For more information, please call 941-486-2753.