Echo Park: Uno de los parques más antiguos de Los Ángeles

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by Carlos Aviles (Espanol)

Echo Park: Uno de los parques más antiguos de Los Ángeles es el epicentro de una comunidad multicultural y étnica

El famoso lago artificial en el noroeste de Los Ángeles es vital para una población que usa el parque como área de recreación y esparcimiento y hasta para el sustento de familias

La claridad de un domingo soleado reciente de Mayo mostró la amplia gama de colores de Echo Park Lake: un cielo azul, pastos verdes y su lago artificial repleto de patos color marrón, negro y blanco. Sus visitantes también vestían de diferentes colores y no precisamente en su ropa, sino en el color de sus ojos y de su piel.

Este famoso e histórico parque ubicado al sur de Glendale y en el noroeste de Los Ángeles está flanqueado por históricos vecindarios como Silver Lake, Westlake y Chinatown.

Es vital para una población que no solo lo usa como área de recreación y esparcimiento. En muchas ocasiones también para el sustento de familias.

DATOS CURIOSOS DE ECHO PARK

  • El lago Echo Park es escenario de eventos comunitarios, como el Festival del Loto, que se
    Photo by Carlos Aviles

    celebra cada mes de julio.

  • Originalmente construido en la década de 1860 como depósito de agua potable, hoy el lago Echo Park se ha convertido en un ícono de Los Ángeles.
  • Actualmente, cumple una doble función: actúa como cuenca de retención dentro del sistema de drenaje pluvial de la ciudad y, al mismo tiempo, ofrece espacios recreativos y sirve de hábitat para la vida silvestre.
  • La empresa privada Wheel Fun Rentals, alquila botes pequeños y grandes con la figura de un cisne por $13 la hora por cada adulto. Y $7.50 por niños.
  • El lago de Echo Park alberga una gran variedad de peces, como truchas arcoíris, lubinas negras, mojarras azules y bagres. Según la aplicación Fishbox, los trabajadores estatales repoblan el lago con truchas arcoíris con regularidad.
  • El parque tiene 29 acres de terreno
  • La escultura de Ada Mae Sharpless, “Nuestra Reina de los Ángeles”, fue donada a la ciudad en 1935 e instalada en la zona norte de Echo Park. Es conocida popularmente como “La dama del Lago”. (The Lady of the Lake)

 

Lea el artículo completo en sandiegouniontribune.com >>

Coronado Island With Kids

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Coronado Island with Kids: The Ultimate Family Planning Guide

by Katie Dillon

Over half of the families I book into hotels choose Coronado—and for good reason. I spend a lot of time on the island (including right now, writing this from my room at Hotel del Coronado!) and feel it’s time to address frequently asked questions.

This guide covers what families really need to know: favorite kid-friendly activities, how to get around, where to park, and how to make the most of your time—whether you’re visiting for the day or staying overnight. These tips reflect not just my own experience as a San Diego mom an

d travel advisor, but also input from local concierge teams and feedback from our clients who’ve spent time on Coronado Island with kids.

Top Things to Do in Coronado with Kids

Whether you’re here for the day or settling in for a week, these family-friendly experiences are the foundation of a great Coronado vacation. Some of these standouts for families also appear in my full guide to San Diego family activities.

Getting Around Coronado (Transportation Options)

Coronado is compact and family-friendly, but having a plan for getting around can make your visit much smoother, especially with little ones in tow.

Walking
The village core (around Orange Avenue) is walkable, with wide sidewalks and shops, parks, and restaurants clustered together.

Biking
The terrain is flat and ideal for bikes! Holland’s Bicycles, Wheel Fun Rentals, and SUP & Saddle offer rentals. Surreys and child trailers are also options.

Golf Carts
Coronado Golf Cart Rentals is a popular choice and a fun, easy way to get around the island. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and need to bring your own car seat for young kids.

Read the full article on lajollamom.com >>

10 Best Free Things to do in Fort Myers FL

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Fabulous and free: things to do and see in Fort Myers

by Gina Birch

The Fort Myers area is full of famous attractions and many of them are very affordable. But forking over a few dollars here and there eventually adds up. Don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you a dime while providing hours of enjoyment. Exploring the miles of beaches, with very few exceptions, is widely accepted as one of the area’s best free activities; that is why none are specifically mentioned on this 10Best list.

Here you will find family-friendly activities such as Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers, the first Friday of each month. Galleries stay open late and provide entertainment along with special exhibits. For free fun in the great outdoors, don’t miss Lee County’s Manatee Park. At this spot, you can see the gentle marine giants gathering in the warm waters produced by a nearby, former power plant. The best time to see most sea cows is between November and March.

In fact, these months host lots of free events as they are considered the area’s “high season” for tourists wanting to escape the cold. While many events and activities have been reimagined to consider crowd size, the plethora of outdoor space and temperate weather makes things a little less challenging.

No. 3: Lakes Regional Park

Photo courtesy of Gina Birch

Walking the 2.5 miles of paved and unpaved paths at Lakes Regional Park is free and there are fitness stations scattered around the water for your workout. The small water park is free for kids to cool off and concessions are available. The bike and boat rentals are available for an affordable fee. Check out the Miniature Railroad that offers a 15-minute ride by a small-scale village. Look for exotic vegetation and the occasional alligator in the 158 acres of freshwater quarry lakes; fishing is allowed. You’ll be able to spot birds like the Ibis and Heron, enjoy the fragrance garden, a seasonal community garden and rest in the gazebo or the many covered picnic areas. The park is also home to many cultural and music festivals and a seasonal Farmers Market on Wednesdays.

Gina’s expert tip: The paths are wide and safe for a morning run or bike ride.

Read the full article on 10best.usatoday.com >>

Glow in the Dark Mini Golf Lights up Veterans Park in Minnesota!

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For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2025

Richfield, MN – Wheel Fun Rentals Veterans Park Mini Golf has partnered with Richfield Parks and Recreation to offer an unforgettable evening of neon excitement at Veterans Park! This exciting event features Glow in the Dark Mini Golf—an immersive experience that transforms the night into a dazzling playground for families and friends.

Event Highlights:

What: Glow in the Dark Mini Golf – Enjoy an exhilarating mini golf course bathed in vibrant neon lights and captivating backlighting, creating a uniquely memorable nighttime adventure.

When: May 9th, May 10th, May 16th, May 17th

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 6335 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423

Cost: $8 per person

In addition to the mini golf excitement, guests will enjoy an inflatable slide, lively music, and delicious concessions—ensuring there is fun for everyone.

Rodney Knight, owner of Wheel Fun Rentals, shared, “We are thrilled to partner with Richfield Parks and Recreation to bring our community together for a night of neon brilliance and fun. Join us for an unforgettable experience at Veterans Park where every moment shines bright!”

Pre-registration online is strongly recommended to secure your spot; walk-up registration with cash payment will be available as space permits. To pre-register for the event, visit wheelfunrentals.com/richfield-glow-golf or call (612) 799-8614 with questions or for more information.

For current hours of operation, available rentals, and more information about Wheel Fun Rentals at Veterans Memorial Park, visit wheelfunrentals.com/richfield.

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Media Contact:  Rodney Knight  •  (612) 799-8614 •  wheelfunrentals@msn.com

 

About Wheel Fun Rentals
Founded in 1987, Wheel Fun Rentals started with four wheel Surrey cycles, evolved into specialty bike rentals and bike tours, and now offers recreational rentals of all kinds from more than 100 outlets in 16 states.  Specializing in unique bikes and tours, Wheel Fun Rentals has been offering clean, healthy family fun and affordable outdoor entertainment to nearly 3 million customers annually from city and state parks, resorts, and retail outlets through corporate locations and franchised territories. For more information about Wheel Fun Rentals please visit www.wheelfunrentals.com or call 805-650-7770. Follow Wheel Fun Rentals: @WheelFunRentalsOfficial and @WheelFunBend on Facebook, @WheelFunRentalsOfficial on Instagram, and @WheelFunRentals on Twitter.

Best Practice: Say Goodbye to Fiberglass Slivers on Bike Safety Flags!

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We all know that the specialty bike safety flags not only look great on your fleet, but they also serve an important purpose—enhancing visibility to cars and improving rider safety. However, handling these fiberglass poles can be a real pain—literally! If you’ve ever dealt with those irritating fiberglass slivers, you’re not alone.

John Fryhling, New Orleans manager & franchisee, has discovered a simple and effective solution: ¼-inch clear heat shrink tubing! This quick fix eliminates those pesky slivers while still allowing the pole’s colors to show through.

How to Apply Heat Shrink Tubing to Your Bike Safety Flag Poles:

Cut the tubing to approximately 4 feet, 9 inches in length.

Cut the fiberglass pole to about 6 feet, 9 inches to ensure proper fit.

Slide the tubing over the pole all the way up to the flag, leaving the last foot uncovered. This ensures the section that inserts into the bike remains tubing-free.

Use a heat gun to shrink the tubing tightly around the pole. Be sure the tubing is snug to minimize water from seeping under the plastic.

Insert the pole into the bike, and you’re good to go!

 

Shrink-Wrapping-Safety-Flag-Poles-NOLA

 

This simple modification not only protects your hands from fiberglass splinters but also extends the life of your safety flag poles. Want to give it a try? You can order 1/4″ heat shrink tubing here from Amazon.

Thanks to John for sharing this great tip!

Wheel Fun Rentals Denver Opens 7 Days a Week for Spring Break 2025 with Swan Boat Night Rides

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For Immediate Release:
March 21, 2025

Denver, CO – Just in time for Spring Break, Wheel Fun Rentals is thrilled to announce that both of its Denver locations at City Park and Washington Park will be open seven days a week from March 22 through March 30, 2025. Families and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a full lineup of fun rental options, from classic pedal boats to specialty cycles, making it the perfect way to soak up the fresh spring air.

Adding to the excitement, starting Monday, March 24th, Wheel Fun Rentals will also be offering its popular LED-illuminated Swan Boat Night Rides at both of its Denver-area locations. Originally launched at City Park in 2021, this enchanting evening experience quickly became a must-do activity in Denver. Due to its overwhelming popularity, Wheel Fun Rentals expanded Swan Boat Night Rides to Washington Park in 2024, providing even more opportunities for families and friends to enjoy the water in a magical, glowing setting.

Guests can rent an LED-illuminated Swan Boat starting one hour before sunset daily, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable and picturesque evening out. Pricing for night rides is $12 per hour for adults and $7 per hour for children 12 years and under.

“We are beyond excited to welcome families and visitors for Spring Break this year,” said Eric Heiserman, local manager of Wheel Fun Rentals Denver. “Opening seven days a week gives everyone more chances to get outside and enjoy the parks, and our LED Swan Boat Night Rides offer a unique way to experience Denver’s beautiful waterfronts after dark. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or enjoying a staycation, we invite everyone to come out and make some memories with us!”

Wheel Fun Rentals has been in the recreation business for over 30 years and is the nation’s leader in outdoor recreation activities. Wheel Fun Rentals offers a large selection of bike and watercraft rentals at their two Denver locations including their flagship 4-wheel Surrey, sporty recumbent specialty cycles, kayaks, SUPs, and the iconic Swan Pedal Boats including the illuminated swan boat night rides. Available rentals vary by location. For current hours of operation, available rentals, and more information about Wheel Fun Rentals Denver, visit wheelfunrentals.com/Denver.

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Media Contact:  Eric Heiserman  •  (720 442-1318  •  info@wheelfunrentalsco.com

 

About Wheel Fun Rentals
Founded in 1987, Wheel Fun Rentals started with four wheel Surrey cycles, evolved into specialty bike rentals and bike tours, and now offers recreational rentals of all kinds from more than 100 outlets in 16 states.  Specializing in unique bikes and tours, Wheel Fun Rentals has been offering clean, healthy family fun and affordable outdoor entertainment to nearly 3 million customers annually from city and state parks, resorts, and retail outlets through corporate locations and franchised territories. For more information about Wheel Fun Rentals please visit www.wheelfunrentals.com or call 805-650-7770. Follow Wheel Fun Rentals: @WheelFunRentalsOfficial and @WheelFunBend on Facebook, @WheelFunRentalsOfficial on Instagram, and @WheelFunRentals on Twitter.

Ventura Inspiration Guide 2025 Showcases Iconic Cycles from Wheel Fun Rentals

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The 2025 edition of the Ventura Inspiration Guide has rolled out, and this year, it shines a spotlight on one of Ventura County Coast’s most unique experiences—cycling with Wheel Fun Rentals. Known for their iconic 4-wheel Surreys and specialty bikes, Wheel Fun Rentals has been a staple of Ventura’s outdoor recreation scene, offering both locals and visitors a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the coastline.

The guide, which highlights the best ways to experience Ventura’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, features Wheel Fun Rentals’ diverse fleet, from family-friendly Surreys to beach cruisers and electric bikes. With scenic routes along the coastline, historic downtown, and lush parks, cycling in Ventura is more than just a way to get around—it’s an adventure in itself.

By showcasing Wheel Fun Rentals, the Ventura Inspiration Guide 2025 encourages travelers to experience Ventura County Coast in an active, immersive way. Whether it’s a leisurely ride along the beachfront or an exhilarating self-guided e-bike tour to nearby Ojai or Carpinteria, visitors can embrace the laid-back, sun-soaked lifestyle that defines Ventura. Next time you visit, grab a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals and pedal your way through Ventura’s breathtaking coastal charm—just as the Inspiration Guide suggests!