The decision to open the education centers on Sundays was based on volunteer comments and attendance figures.

PINELLAS COUNTY – The education centers at Brooker Creek and Weedon Island preserves will open on Sundays.

The centers will open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Sunday (Oct. 2).The additional day will increase operations to a total of four days a week at both education centers. Currently, the education centers are open three days each week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The change is a partial restoration of former operating hours that existed before the 2009-10 fiscal year, when park operating hours were scaled back from five days per week because of the economic recession.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners voted to open the education centers Sundays based on attendance figures. The board also considered feedback by the volunteer support organizations for both preserves, Friends of Weedon Island and Friends of Brooker Creek.

While the education centers are open only on certain days, the preserve lands are open daily for people to enjoy the trails and enjoy recreational activities. Both Weedon Island and Brooker Creek open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset.

Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs, is the largest natural area in Pinellas County at nearly 8,700 acres. The Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center provides educational exhibits, guided nature tours, outreach activities and workshops for visitors who want to learn more about the preserve and its history.

Weedon Island, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, extends more than 3,100 acres on Tampa Bay. The preserve is home to numerous plant and animal species and protects those natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. The educational facility tells the story and educates visitors about the indigenous residents who occupied the site for thousands of years.

Pinellas County’s strategic plan calls for the practice of superior of environmental stewardship by preserving and managing environmental lands, beaches, parks and historical assets.

For information about county parks and preserves, go to pinellascounty.org.

Photos of Brooker Creek and Weedon Island courtesy of Pinellas County.

Pinellas County | Brooker Creek | Weedon Island | Parks | Preserves | TB Reporter

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