LADY LAKE – The Town of Lady Lake invited the public to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Snooky Park, a natural oasis in the heart of historic Lady Lake, named for U.S. Navy veteran Atticus “Snooky” Blanton, who was lost on the USS Arizona in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The event will be held on Thursday, June 29 at 10 a.m. at 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake.
The new park is a natural preserve with a 2,000-foot walking trail, surrounded by a canopy of cedar, live oaks, water oaks and palm trees. It features amenities such as picnic shelters, water fountains and restrooms.
“Snooky Park is a long-awaited passive recreation facility in the Town of Lady Lake,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske. “We are fortunate to have the support of the Commission to help us preserve this beautiful and historic area of Lady Lake.”
Atticus “Snooky” Blanton was born on Dec. 20, 1920 in Fort Myers and grew up among family in Lady Lake. At age 18, during the Great Depression, he found himself without job experience and decided to join the Navy. In 1940, he enlisted and his early letters home talked about his good fortune in being assigned to the USS Arizona, which was docked in California. Continue reading