Nov 18, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

ESTERO COMMUNITY PARK GRAND OPENING 

On Saturday, November 18, 2006, 11 AM, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Estero Community Park and Recreation Center.  The park is located at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. (just to the east of Estero High School).  Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah will serve as master of ceremonies.  He will be joined by numerous officials from the Estero and San Carlos Park communities and Lee County School District.  The construction of the new facilities will cost $ 12 million. 

The ceremony is open to the public and area citizens are encouraged to attend the festivities.  There will be ongoing recreational activities in the park from 7 AM to 6 PM. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

7 a.m.               Pre-Race Registration

8 a.m.               Palm Tree Mortgage 5K Race

8 a.m.               Volleyball Registration

9 a.m.               Kids Races

9 a.m.               Volleyball Tournament

9:30 a.m.          Award Ceremony for Race

10 a.m.             Arts & Craft Fair Begins

11 a.m.             Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

12 p.m.             Steel Drums Band

2-6 p.m.            Reggae All-Stars Caribbean Band 

BACKGROUND

Lee County Board of County Commissioners first cut the tape in December of 2000 to open Estero Community Park, 10 acres and two Pop Warner football fields. These athletic fields are to the west of Estero High School.  The opening was great news for the 400 children who played in the Estero Mustang football program.

Since then, however, the population of Estero has increased tremendously and the public needed additional recreational facilities to meet the increased growing demands of the community. Lee County, with the cooperation of the School District of Lee County, the business community, civic organization, and the citizens of the Estero community, launched construction of Phase I of a new park in November of 2004.   

Estero Community Park and Recreation Center has something for all ages.  The park encompasses 55 acres. The property houses a fenced dog park, 2 bocce courts, 12 horseshoe pits, 3 sand volleyball courts, shelters of varying sizes, a children's play area, a play mound, 4 lakes and a tortoise preserve along with a 40,000 square foot community center. A world class 5K crosscountry trail winds throughout the park. The Estero High School cross-country coach contributed to its design.

The recreation center has a fully equipped gymnasium, with a seating capacity of 900, that can sustain 3 full basketball games or 4 volleyball matches, fitness center with locker room facilities, computer lab, game room, teen center, art studio, large multi-purpose rooms for meetings or classes and a catering kitchen. A large outdoor stage in the back of the building faces a five acre central lawn that can accommodate 4,000 spectators for community events and concerts. The lawn is surrounded by a walking path and benches.  

At the Estero Recreation Center you will find fitness classes, wellness classes for adults and children, sports leagues, art classes, an exciting senior program and a wide range of children's programs. There is something for everyone in the family.  

Cost for the park is $12 million for construction and $766,000 for design. 

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