New bat house installed at Possum Creek Park

After noticing a group of bats living in a gazebo at a local park, a city employee decided to build them a new home.

John Weber, the city’s parks operations manager, decided the new bat house would be a good assignment for Gainesville resident Connor Honeycutt, who was looking for a project to complete during his Eagle Scout training.

With the help of his dad and an assistant parks operations manager, Honeycutt built a 15-foot bat house to serve as a daytime shelter for about 200 bats at Possum Creek Park, located at 4009 NW 53rd Ave.

The materials and construction of the structure cost a little more than $200. The house, which was built out of fibrous wood, was installed in the park in April.

“Honeycutt got to design the house himself,” Weber said. “It was his vision.”

Weber said the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department has discussed installing additional bat houses in local parks as a way of attracting more citizens.

“Having the bat house at the park is another attraction parkgoers can experience when the sun starts to set,” he said.

Weber said the bat house was built to provide a suitable home for the local bat population.

“The bats will help control mosquitos and provide a unique experience for those who visit the park,” he said.

Across from Lake Alice at UF, two bat houses serve as home to more than 100,000 bats, according to the Florida Wildlife Extension website.

“Whenever I have visitors, I love to take them to the bat house,” said Carolina Fernandez, a UF English senior. “I can’t wait to visit the new bat house.”

The 15-foot structure will house about 200 bats.