Lee County Parks & Recreation will host an open house from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 7, at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, on Bass Road in Fort Myers regarding the Sanibel Causeway Islands Park Improvement project. There has been some concern raised from residents about the improvements.
Most recently, a group of local wind surfers voiced their concerns to Lee County Commissioners. They say the changes being proposed now will push them out. Part of the new plan is to convert what is a grassy area where people pull in and out in their cars, some say at great danger to others, into a more structured parking area.
The meeting is being held for the public to view preliminary plans for the project and to discuss the improvements with a consultant and county staff.
This project involves stabilizing portions of the shoreline at this facility, including on both Island A and Island B. Additional improvements could include the development of compacted shell designated parking areas and corresponding stormwater management areas, as well as the addition of beach sand, new restrooms on Island A, native plant landscaping and picnic pavilions. Access to existing fishing areas also will be improved.
Lee County has launched an interactive web tool for the Sanibel Causeway Islands Project to provide easy access to information about the proposed project, including maps, plans, timelines and more in a user-friendly interface.
The interactive resource illustrates the shoreline improvements already underway on the Causeway Islands (Phase 1), as well as the proposed upland improvements (Phase 2). Current conceptual plans for Phase 2 and a historical timeline of the project are posted on the site. Visitors can also take a survey, which can be used to provide feedback on the conceptual plans. The interactive web tool can be accessed HERE.
In preparation for the project, Lee County crews last year removed Australian pines, which is an invasive exotic species. The trees will be replaced with native trees.
The $8.5 million project ultimately will enhance both Island A and Island B using Tourist Development Taxes and state funds. The county plans to keep construction impacts to a minimum and complete the project by summer 2024.