Veterans Park hosts free ‘Movie in the Park’

What’s happening: Bring the family out for a free showing of “Clifford the Big Red Dog” sponsored by the Lehigh Acres Fire Control & Rescue, Sellstate 5 Star Realty and Rotary of Lehigh Acres.

Where: Veterans Park, 55 Homestead Road South, Lehigh Acres

When: Movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27

Cost: Free

What to expect: Bring lawn chairs or blankets and snacks to enjoy the PG-rated adventure comedy film “Clifford the Big Red Dog”. When Emily discovers her little red puppy named Clifford has grown 10-feet overnight, she turns to her eccentric Uncle Casey for help. But when a mad scientist tries to capture the larger-thanlife playful pup, it takes the entire neighborhood to hide Clifford as they race across the city.

Lehigh Acres Fire Control & Rescue providing free popcorn and bottled water. Sellstate 5 Star Realty will provide cotton candy.

Tips / Notes: h Movie viewing will be located on the front athletic field. h On-leash dogs are permitted in the park; off-leash in dog park only.

History:Thepark’shistorybeganwith Phase I construction in1993 consisting of a lake, large hill, concrete skate-park bowl, playground, an outdoor basketball court and a pavilion. At that time, the park was called Lehigh Community Park South. In 1994 it was renamed Veterans

Community Park in honor of our country’s veterans. Phase II was completed in 2003 and improvements were made to theparkbyaddingamulti-purposerecreation center, two softball fields, a rockclimbing play area, a maintenance compound and enlarging the lake. In 2008, Phase III completed with the addition of four lighted tennis courts, two covered lighted basketball courts and a splash playground. The final phase of Veterans Community Park included a handball court and a multipurpose athletic field, which is used for cricket, flag football, soccer and other sports, additional picnic areas and the Paws 4 Duty dog park.

Info: www.leeparks.org or 239-3691521

Driving directions: From I-75, take exit 138 and head east on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Turn left onto Lee Blvd. Turn right onto Homestead Road N. and the park entrance will be on the left.

Aboutus: Lee County Parks & Recreation has 263 positions, a $41 million budget and more than 31,500 acres of parks, preserves, facilities and other sites. The department oversees four recreation centers, 10 community centers, community parks, Conservation 20/20 lands, greenways, the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, four year-round pools, seven boat ramps, sports complexes including the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins spring training facilities, dog-friendly facilities and Gulf of Mexico beach parks.

Contact: Learn more about Parks & Recreation by visiting our website www.leeparks.org, email questions to leeparks@leegov.com, 239-533-7275 or visit leeparksandrecreation on Facebook and Instagram.