​The property was purchased in 1998. Construction on the project started in November of 2004. This park has been open since October 30, 2006.

The Estero Recreation Center began operating as an extended shelter for more than 500 people affected by the flood waters of Tropical Storm Fay on Aug. 24, 2008. The shelter was managed under the guidance of Lee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the American Red Cross, and the rec center was temporarily closed to the public. Scheduled programs were suspended.

For roughly two months, the American Red Cross helped the shelter residents' transition in returning to their homes or assisted them in seeking alternative living arrangements. The last of the shelter residents and the American Red Cross vacated the shelter Oct. 11 returned the Estero Recreation Center back to Lee County Parks & Recreation. The American Red Cross presented a plaque to the staff and patrons of the Estero Recreation Center thanking them for their support and sacrifices made during the time period the building was used.

After four years of work and planning, two historic Estero structures are displayed in Estero Community Park. The houses were moved in 2009.