North Fort Myers Park To Host Free Touch-a-Truck Event With 50-Plus Vehicles

Lee County Parks & Recreation will host a Touch-a-Truck event Jan. 10 at Mike Greenwell Regional Park in North Fort Myers. The free event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 50 vehicles from county departments and community partners will be there.

This marks the second year. Last year, 1,300 people showed up.

"We saw incredible community interest and participation during our first Touch-a-Truck event with 1,300 in attendance," said Jessy Zukaitis, Lee County Parks & Recreation Program Specialist at Mike Greenwell Regional Park, according to Cape Coral Breeze. "Bringing it back for a second year allows us to expand on what worked, welcome even more community partners, and continue creating hands-on experiences that connect families with the people and equipment that help keep our county running."

The first hour will be sensory-friendly. From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., organizers will keep a quieter atmosphere with no horns or sirens for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Attendees can see fire trucks, heavy equipment, cranes from Americrane, and motorcycles from Keepers of the Innocent. Departments represented include Parks & Recreation, Public Safety, DOT, Utilities, Solid Waste, Library System, and Domestic Animal Services.

"Visitors can meet first responders, explore vehicles as big as a crane from Americrane, and as small as a motorcycle from Keepers of the Innocent," Zukaitis said. "We're excited to showcase the variety of services our county provides and offer families an unforgettable, hands-on way to see their community in action."

Twenty-five departments and businesses volunteer their time and equipment. Parks and Recreation works with the North Fort Myers Civic Association to put it together.

Food trucks will be on site. A Fill N Fluff Bus will offer special experiences. Admission is free, but food and vendor items are available for purchase.

Organizations with heavy equipment can still participate. Contact Zukaitis at 239-371-1137 or email Jzukaitis@leegov.com.

Mike Greenwell Regional Park is at 11831 Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers.