The Naples Botanical Garden has been around for quite a few years now although not too many people are aware of it's existence and consequently the beauty that's found here. It's just a short drive away from the activities of downtown. Some may say just off the beaten path, literally. The location is heralded for it's infamy of years gone by where drugs, crime and prostitution were ever present. Are you talking about Naples, Florida some may ask. Sounds improbable doesn't it. Long time Neapolitans are invited to revisit the area which is shedding it's prior skin and enjoying a renaissance. After almost 2 years the Garden has reopened and breathed life back into a formidably depressed area with the assistance of many local residents and their philanthropic redirection. The rebirth has brought with it the introduction of a variety of new gardens and a cultural venue easily enjoyed by all visitors. Perched on 70 acres of land with more to be developed we now have the 2nd largest Botanical Gardens in the state. It's believed we'll make it to #1 by the end of next year. I'm not going to post pictures here because you really need to see it for yourself, I will provide their link in the hope that you will stop by. It's really inspiring from an educational, cultural and even spirtual perspective.
VISIT the Botanical Gardens now: http://www.NaplesGardens.org
Giving credit where credit is due, I commend Collier County for creating the environment wherein such a diverse and beautiful venue can thrive and grow. There is an entity known as the Bayshore Gateway Triangle Community Redevelopment Agency which spearheads the new direction of this once blighted area. I encourage all interested readers to also research www.CollierCRA.com , from there click on the "Bayshore" tab and view the humble beginnings and what the future holds for this diverse community. Special thanks to David Jackson and his staff without whose tremendous presence and tenacity on the front line this would never have had the ability to succeed. Onward to 2010!
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