Every year in September, Gainesville Parks and Recreation Foundation hosts their annual Butterfly Release. This year was the 27th version and despite the heat, families enjoyed art & crafts activities, music, food and the release of thousands of butterflies on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Midland Greenway on 682 Grove Street.
According to Julie Butler, marketing manager of Gainesville Parks and Recreation Foundation, the first butterfly release was held for more than two decades in Wilshire Trails Park.
“Now with the improvements to Midland Greenway, the event has found a new permanent home. We estimate 3,000 people attended,” she said.
The following vendors and exhibitors were present: Ryan Joiner Foundation, Brenau University, Nami Hall County, CubScout Pack 16, UNG Box Turtle Research Group, Chattahoochee Riverkeepers, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Baha’i Faith of Hall County, Hall County Library System, Elachee Nature Science Center, Hall County Master Gardeners, Department of Water Resources and more. Also, Nothing Bundt Cakes offered sweet snacks, and El Tepache delivered amazing food to residents, who could grab a beer or wine to cool down.
Through the support received at this event, Gainesville Parks and Recreation Foundation has been able to impact the community development by purchasing different park lands like Rock Creek Greenway, designing trail markers, replacing trees, funding walking bridges, supporting the months-long Wilshire Wonderland of Lights Holiday Display, and more.
The non-profit organization started as a response to the citizens’ will to restore Ivey Terrace Park. In 1996, a public-private partnership was created between the City of Gainesville, Gainesville Parks and Recreation and Friends of Gainesville, Inc. The Butterfly Release was the first fundraising activity organized by Friends of the Parks in 1997. Last year, the organization changed its name to Gainesville Parks & Recreation Foundation.The Butterfly Release benefited the Park 2 Park Connectivity initiative, which aims to create safe and accessible walkways that connect the entirety of the parks system.
Some projects achieved through the years include the restoration of the Rock Creek Greenway Corridor and the restoration of Ivey Terrace Park on their Phase I, II and III. The foundation focuses on increasing connectivity and greenspace awareness through educational programs and acquiring, maintaining, and embellishing land for parks and greenways.
You can find more information about future events and the foundation mission on their website.
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