Lee County Parks & Recreation reopened Crescent Beach Family Park last week following the completion of a restoration project that rebuilt and enhanced the Fort Myers Beach park after damage caused by Hurricane Ian 4 years ago.
Check out our walkaround HERE.
The county’s contractor began to remove the construction fencing today; however, some necessary final work must occur before the official reopening. The county asks beach-goers to remain out of the park until Wednesday, July 29, at sunrise, when it will officially open to the public.
– Four beach access points, including one ADA-accessible beach access route.
“The reopening of this park is something to celebrate,” said Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka, who represents District 3 and Fort Myers Beach and also is vice chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. “This is but just one milestone of many more to come as our beach parks reopen with resilient amenities for our visitors and residents to enjoy.”
The project was funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Regional Park Impact Fees and Tourist Development Taxes through the Beach and Shoreline Program.
It certainly looks very nice, but I have to ask… What is there to do in this park? No playground equipment picnic tables, beach volleyball. Am I missing something?
Lee,
Thank you for sharing the history of this park. Although a beach resident for many years and user of the park many times, I had no idea of how it came to be. These bits of history are critical to the perpetuity of Ft Myers Beach as we experience changes over the years. Great you noted the contribution of Betty Simpson.
Carol
Its history:
Former News-Press columnist Joe Workman, a beach resident, came up with idea for a park and promoted it to then-County Commissioner Frank Mann.
Mann persuaded the commission to buy the land and build the park. Both men believed more public space should be preserved along a coastline rapidly becoming private.
Some town council members wanted condos and tax income there. Thankfully preservation prevailed.
Former Beach leader Betty Simpson came up with name.
Excellent it’s great to see progress on our island. As a gateway bridge to the island it’s important to have a good look and first impression.