As part of its phased reopening of its parks and beaches, Lee County officials have informed Beach Talk Radio that Bowditch Beach will reopen in mid-August. All three Lee County facilities on Fort Myers Beach (Lynn Hall Park, Bowditch and Crescent Park) were heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian.
The Lynn Hall Park parking lot has been open for several months. Parking remains free in that lot. The restroom facilities, which were refurbished not too long before the storm, remain closed. Lee County has several air conditioned restroom trailers in the lot as well as porta-potties.
There is no time frame for the reopening of Crescent Park which is now behind a chain-link fence on the Estero Boulevard side.
Lee County Natural Resources is overseeing the restoration of the natural elements while Lee County Parks & Recreation is overseeing the beach parks restoration, including facilities and amenities.
The hurricane damaged Lee County’s beaches and the sensitive ecosystems with storm debris, pollution and the removal of healthy, safe sand and dune vegetation. The county is ensuring that the many elements of the beach restoration process are being rigorously documented to support full reimbursement through federal funds. This involves assessing and inventorying the damages, meeting FEMA criteria and participating in FEMA inspections, and determining eligibility for public assistance funding. The same goes for beach park facilities, which also were severely impacted. Parks & Recreation is following the important process involving documentation and inspections per FEMA standards to ensure local taxpayer dollars are not depleted on repairs.
What work do they need to do at Bowditch before it opens? Also, I always wondered what the difference is between Lynn Hall Park and Crescent Park? Any timeline to re-furbish or rebuild the bathrooms at Lynn Hall Park? Especially with Margaritaville opening in November?