A new Polk County park on Lake Kissimmee has been named in honor of longtime Audubon of Florida supporter and leader Richard Coleman of Winter Haven, who tragically lost his life in 2003. Coleman's legacy includes a body of conservation work, including advocacy for the restoration of the Kissimmee River. Now a park and boat landing bears his name on beautiful Lake Kissimmee at Shady Oaks. Enjoy this extra special place in honor of Richard.
Frances Howell Coleman, Coleman's widow, attended Friday morning's dedication."This was his second home," she said.
As Coleman talked about "the wonder of this place," a pair of sandhill cranes flew overhead, noisily announcing their presence. And she mentioned seeing bald eagles and an endangered bird of prey called a snail kite as she looked out over the lake before the dedication ceremony.
She said one of her late husband's legacies was to work with diverse groups to accomplish conservation goals ranging from the protection of the Kissimmee River to the protection of the Green Swamp.
