239-472-4648
March 1, 2019 – The Sanibel Historical Village is preparing its next Twilight Talk, to take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at The Community House. The topic will be The History of Periwinkle Park as told by the Muench family. Tickets cost $10 per person.
Periwinkle Park has been part of the Sanibel Community since 1964, when Betty and Al Muench (Jerry and Dick Muench’s parents) purchased 16 undeveloped acres. The park was later expanded both east and west to complete the property to 32 acres. Father Al solicited son Jerry’s help to develop the park and, following his discharge from the Navy in 1969, Jerry returned to Sanibel with his bride, June, where they have been residents for 50 years. Jerry’s brother Dick and Emily Muench came on board to continue to manage and develop the Park in 1972.
Known for its birds, the park’s main bird pond was created in the early years of the park and became a habitat for indigenous birds until Dick became a birder and introduced exotics. Libby Baird, originally from Toronto, Canada, has been a long-time resident of the park and eventually became the “bird lady” because of her interest in exotics.
The park now has 240 permanent homes and 80 transient sites. Dick’s son David is now the manager.
Learn more about Periwinkle Park at the April 10 event at the Community House. The cost is $10 per person, and a sellout is expected, so don’t wait to get your tickets. For tickets, call Emilie Alfino at 472-4648.
The Sanibel Historical Village is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Full guided tours take place at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at no additional charge, depending on docent availability. The village is located at 950 Dunlop Road (next to BIG ARTS) and there is handicap access to the buildings. Admission is $10 for adults over 18. Members and children are free. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.sanibelmuseum.org or call (239) 472-4648.