A Communal Sharing of Valentine’s Day Love

A Valentine’s Day tradition was once again observed joyously this year at Mackle Park.

The City of Marco Island’s annual picnic to celebrate the February day that honors loving relationships drew a host of hungry couples and families to the park. There a record number of residents and visitors on roast hotdogs and burgers and an assortment of other outdoorsy delights served up by staff from the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“We had the biggest turnout that we’ve ever had since I’ve been here and I’ve been with the city for 12 years,” said the City’s recreation program manager, Lola Dial. “We probably had over 300 people turnout. Everybody came hungry, that’s for sure. We even ran out of food and we usually have food left over to fee the staff. Everybody was happy. It was just a wonderful day.”

Ron and Judy Hattendorf have been full-time residents for a little more than three years after owning ha home here for 30 years. The Chicago natives celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 2019 and they try to attend the picnic every year.

“We see friends here and they always have a nice spread,” said Ron Hattendorf. “You know, he added with a twinkle in his eye, seniors are always looking for a bargain and you can’t beat this park,” he said.

Judy Hattendorf echoed his sentiments about Mackle Park, noting that she plays Canasta there and that she and her husband enjoy walking the trail around the lake together.

This was the first time Bob and Jill Strub of Marco attended the picnic.

“We saw it in the paper and we thought we’d come over,” explained Jill Strub. “It’s a pretty day and we love the park,” she added. “It’s a wonderful park.”

The Strubs will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary this year.

“I think it’s good,” Bob Strub said of the picnic. “It brings a lot of people together here.” His wife expanded on that thought when she said, “It’s just nice to see people enjoying life. Everybody’s having fun.”