Lake Osprey Trail Opened

Saturday June 5, 2010 was a banner day for The Friends of Oscar Scherer Park. 

Ribbon cutting for the new Lake Osprey Trail

Ribbon cutting for the new Lake Osprey Trail

A brand new trail was opened that features barrier free access to all.  Now, families with children in strollers, people in wheel chairs and those just wanting a easy stroll in the woods can hike in the woods.

The trail offers scenic views of Lake Osprey. There are  several benches along the way, picnic tables and opportuinities to see nature up close. 

Access to the trail is just behind the Nature Center, by the main parking lot.

The first hike on the new trail
A hike on the new trail
The first hike on the new trail was led by JC Chace, a young man who is blind.
What better testament to the efforts of all who made the trail possible.
 

 

 

Dedication and Opening of New Lake Osprey Trail

The Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park Inc. are pleased to announce the the new Lake Osprey Trail will be officially opened on Saturday June 5, 2010.

Ceremonies are from 12:30 – 2:00 PM.  More Information here.

The trail is a pleasant walk around the lake and is ADA Compliant. Please join us for the Grand Opening.

This beautiful new trail was made possible by:

$50,000 donation by Lee Wetherington Homes
Donated Labor by Friends of Oscar Scherer Park, Inc.
Planning by the Florida Park Service
Additional donations by AmeriCorps
H&H Signs • Hazeltine Nurseries • Vineyard Graphics

Sarasota Folk Festival

The 7th annual Sarasota Folk Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 6 & 7, at Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 South Tamiami Trail,
(U.S. Highway 41) in Osprey, just south of Sarasota. There will be Eco-friendly vendors, local and statewide musicians, onsite parking, lots to eat,
many fine vendors selling excellent products, family music and fun for kids! On Saturday, the music starts at 11 am, with a dinner break at
5 pm – 6 pm. The Saturday evening concert is 6 pm – 10. On Sunday, the music starts at 11 am, and ends at 4 pm.
     Tickets can be purchase at the gate using cash or local check, or order them at a discount using a credit card by March 1 on
www.sarasotafolkfestival.org. Kids 12 and under are free.
     There will be 30 musical acts performing on three stages. The list of performers and the complete schedule is posted on the festival website. The
festival will include many types of music. While it will be primarily acoustic folk music and singer/songwriter performers, you will also hear
bluegrass, old time, acoustic blues, country, jazz, pop, and Irish. Bring the kids; there will be a Family Stage with some time slots designated
specifically for kids. There is a playground next to the Family Stage. There will be some kids-oriented games, crafts and vendor products.
The workshop area is where you can get some pointers on playing an instrument, singing harmony, writing songs, or other topics of interest.
There will be a jam area this year! Many of our performers will lead various jams throughout the two days. There will be a protest jam, an old time
jam, a Florida folk jam, a harmony jam and many others.
     The Festival will go on rain or shine, as all three stages are covered.

All Trails Hike Rescheduled

Mother Nature caused the annual All Trails Hike to be postponed.  The combination of rain and chilly temperatures forced hike organizers to rechedule the event to January 30, 2010.

Fourth Annual Hike

It’s a walk in the park.  Rain or Shine!

Come join us on Saturday, January 9, 2010 for our annual All Trails Hike. The weather forecast is for a chilly start so dress in layers to stay comfortable as you walk. Friends of Oscar Scherer Park Inc., are stationed along the trails to keep you pointed in the right direction and to provide you with refreshments as you hike.

After you’ve completed the hike, join the Friends at the Nature Center for lunch and an ice cream sundae. If you’d prefer to hike just one trail you can start even later if you wish. There are six trails to choose from, including the ADA accessible Finley Trail, South Creek Trail, and the Green, Red, Blue and Yellow Trails. All have signage and maps. Hikers of all ages, and dogs on leashes are welcome.  This has become the most popular hiking opportunity in our area. Don’t miss it. Cost for everything, to include entry to the park, is only $10. Let’s enjoy nature together along the trails.

You can download a registration form here, or register at the park Saturday morning.

Happy New Year!

My Wish for All of us in 2010

May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!

May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy

May the problems you had, forget your home address!

In simple words …………

May 2010 be the best year of your life!!!

All Trails Hike Coming Soon!

Third Annual All Trails Hike   January 9, 2010

Make plans to join hundreds of hikers as they walk the trails of Oscar Scherer State Park. This has become the most popular hiking opportunity in our area. Don’t miss it. Cost for everything, including entry to the park, is only $10. Let’s enjoy nature together along the trails. More information is available here.

Community Yard Sale – Recycle and Fun Day

Shoppers get FREE entry into the park!

Join us on Saturday December 5, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for a fun day of bargain hunting at the park. Tables will be set up to offer no longer used items for sale.  You may find your treasure here.

Informational talks, booths, food, music, kayak rides and raffles will add to the days fun.

Family Folk Fest

Join us Saturday for a Family Folk Fest presented by the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park, Inc. 1pm – 5pm, gate opens at noon. Live Folk & Bluegrass family music by: MINDY SIMMONS, JIM GROMKO, BEE RIDGE BLUEGRASS JAMMERS, BILL SCHUSTIK. Also available: Kids music parades, tram rides, craft booths, face painting, hot dogs & ice cream. Adults $6.00, Age 6 – 18 $4.00, 5 & under free. Info: 941-483-5956