Broward County Commission s3

B R O W A R D C O U N T Y C O M M I S S I O N N E W S R E L E A S E Parks and Recreation Division ▪ 950 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park, FL 33309 Phone: 954-357-8100 ▪ Fax: 954-561-5359 ▪ www.broward.org/parks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: September 7, 2012 Phone: 954-357-8115 From: Michael Mills E-mail: [email protected]

Find the Heavens Above - Nature center continues Astronomy 2012 Series -

WHAT: The French writer Victor Hugo once observed: “Where the telescope ends, the microscope begins. Which of the two has the grander view?” No doubt the telescope would get the vote of the members of the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (SFAAA), which opens the Fox Observatory at Markham Park in Sunrise every Saturday evening, weather permitting, for free stargazing from dusk to midnight.

The SFAAA also hosts the quarterly program An Evening With the Stars at Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek, where speakers cover basic telescope techniques and general astronomy information. The next session will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 21, and the program is free and for all ages.

The South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association was founded in 1965. Regular meetings of this nonprofit organization are held at the Fox Observatory at Markham Park (16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise) at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. Memberships start at $20. For additional information, visit www.sfaaa.com, or call 954-384-0442.

WHERE: Fern Forest Nature Center 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek 33063 954-357-5198

WHEN: Friday, September 21 7-9 p.m.

WHO: For all ages.

HOW: Free. For registration information and to check viewing conditions, please call the nature center on the day of the event.

For further information, call the nature center at 954-357-5198. The nature center is accessible via Broward County Transit Routes #31 and #42.

Founded in February 1956 and accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, Broward County Parks and Recreation Division manages nearly 6,500 acres, encompassing 19 regional parks and nature centers, six neighborhood parks, and 21 natural areas at various stages of development. Facilities include water parks, campgrounds, a target range, a stadium, a skate park, an observatory, mountain bike trails, an educational farm with stables, and a velodrome and other sports facilities. Hours and fees vary by location. For more information, visit www.broward.org/parks.

Find Yourself – At a Broward County Park

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in County programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357- 8170 or TTY 954-537-2854 at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation.