Roberto Clemente Park in the Dunbar community has reopened with major upgrades, offering the largest playground slide in Southwest Florida. Hundreds of families attended the Winter Wonderland Festival to celebrate the park's new features and its deep historical significance in the community.
"This is for the community. This is for everybody from the Fort Myers community, for the minorities. So this is why it's packed today, and it's great to see everybody come out and celebrate it," said resident Justin Michele.
The festival brought a crowd that stretched beyond the parking lot and down the street.
"I've literally been in this community myself. I come from it, and I actually watched this place grow, and when I say grow, change, and when I say change, I was a part of that change. So it's a it's a good thing for us, and I just hope that us as a community, we take care of this all as one," said resident Jacquelyn James.
In addition to the playground upgrades, the park offers exciting features for children.
"Whoa, that spinny thing over there. Like they put you in it, and then they spin you, and then you go upside down. And then my second favorite is that tall tower," said Mason Holloway, a resident.
"Everything that slide to the monkey bars to the swings," added Jakayla Barnes, another resident.
Long-time residents emphasize the park's importance beyond its equipment.
"This area has evolved immensely. Born and raised here during my time, activities were very, very limited. You know, a segregated community. When I was in the sixth grade, we integrated," said resident Debra Burgess.
The park stands as a symbol of hope and representation.
"What I see is a sense of pride in community. I have seen that this particular day has given some sense of hope for our children, and it helps our children, who are black and brown, to see that anything can be accomplished with hard work," said resident Lauren Hunter.
Visitors shared that the park honors Black history and will continue to shape future generations in Dunbar.