Excitement and thrills on four wheels! Normally this would refer to the action on the track at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, but this year it’s all about the special route of Homestead’s National Parks Trolley running from the Speedway’s RV Lot to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.
Thanks to a partnership between City of Homestead, Homestead-Miami Speedway, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), and Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, NASCAR fans will be able to enjoy free guided tours of the parks. On Thursday, November 19th routes run from the RV Lot to Everglades National Park at 9:00am and 1:50pm and to Biscayne National Park at 10:35am and 1:17pm.
In addition to the special routes, the entire weekend will feature displays at the Speedway from both Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, NPCA, and Florida National Parks Association. Park Rangers will be present to educate fans about the wildlife and habitats found in the parks. Interactive displays will include touch tables and giveaways. Also, look for appearances by the NPCA mascot, Teddy!
“Thousands of families from around the U.S. come to the race every year,” said Councilman Stephen Shelley. “Bringing the National Parks Trolley to the Ford Championship Weekend is the perfect opportunity for the City of Homestead and the National Parks to expand our partnerships. We’re able to reach out to a whole new audience that might not have been able to explore what Homestead and the Parks have to offer.”
Homestead’s National Parks Trolley closed its second season this past April, boasting record-breaking ridership and winning the National Park Service’s prestigious Director’s Partnership Award. Each year, a select group of projects are honored for the significant accomplishments achieved by Parks and outside groups working together.
The innovative and wildly popular Trolley program promoting eco-tourism and Homestead’s Historic Downtown will return every weekend from November 28, 2015 through May 1, 2016. For more information, please visit www.cityofhomestead.com/gateway