Media Release

January 16, 2009

10:50 a.m.
 
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The public and the media are invited to a ribbon cutting for the opening of a new interpretive shelter at Alachua County's San Felasco Park. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the park located at 6400 N.W. 43rd Way, Gainesville. The entrance is located at the end of NW 43rd Way behind WCJB TV 20 off of NW 43rd Street.  Refreshments will be served.
 
The interpretive shelter is one of a number of items the National Park Service required the County to construct when the federal government deeded the property to Alachua County. The interpretive shelter is an open air structure providing environmental education information concerning the park and the surrounding area.  The display highlights the importance of the various plant communities found in the park such as cypress swamp, pine flat woods, upland hammock, and temporary ponds. It includes a section on why fire is good for certain plant communities found in the park. The interpretive material will help visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the park and for the environment.
 
To view photos of the interpretive shelter click here.
 
For more information about the park and the ribbon cutting contact Alachua County Parks/Open Space Superintendant Rob Avery at 352-374-5245.
 
                                                                        -30-