Young American Dreamers Add Finishing Touches to Lake Blue Park

Early on a hot Saturday morning while most were sleeping in, a group of young people organized as “Young American Dreamers” gathered at Lake Blue Park and Boat Ramp to plant trees and shrubs for the park’s Grand Opening, scheduled for Saturday, August 21 from 10:00 a.m. until noon.  In less than two and one-half hours, 22 containers of potted plants and shrubs, donated by an official Park Partners’ Backyard Nursery, plus six 60-gallon live oaks purchased by the County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division were in the ground.  Lake Blue Park and Boat Ramp is located at the intersection of Lake Boulevard and Avenue U NW in Auburndale.

The Lake Blue Park and Boat Ramp Grand Opening Celebration is opened to the public for a fun-filled morning of free activities and light refreshments to include inflatables, snow cones, popcorn, hot dogs, drinks and picnic games.   A walking tour of new facilities around the lake will include Phase I completion of a boat ramp and floating dock, playground, picnic shelters, and a walking and exercise trail with fitness stations. 

Lake Blue Park Phase I recreational amenities ready for public use will be dedicated Saturday.

YOUNG AMERICAN DREAMERS (L-R: Temo Davila; Margarita Barajas; Elizabeth Barajas; Mayra Barajas; Carmen Trejo; Maria Barajas; Alondra Hernandez; Marina Hernandez; and Alfredo Esteban, unavailable for photo) plan a return visit to enjoy Grand Opening festivities.  Group leader Maria Barajas extends an open invitation to other youths who want to make a difference in their communities to join Young American Dreamers.  Send Maria an e-mail: mibarajas@yahoo.com 

Young American Dreamers will be recognized by Friends of the Parks’ president, Marian Ryan on Saturday for their beautification efforts of Lake Blue Park and Boat Ramp.

FRIENDS OF THE PARKS FOUNDATION is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization staffed solely by volunteers and organized for the purpose of promoting and supporting parks, trails, lakes and environmental lands within Polk County.  The Foundation’s Park Partners Program has received national acclaim as one of three initiatives earning Polk County the All America County award in 2007.

Learn more about helping Polk County’s parks, visit:  www.friendsoftheparks.net