City of Palms Park redevelopment study approved by Fort Myers council

FORT MYERS, Fla.—Fort Myers City Council is moving forward with plans to revitalize part of the city's downtown. Council members unanimously approved funding for a redevelopment study at City of Palms Park.

The council approved up to $356,000 for a study to explore potential replacements for the aging stadium.

"It's a waste of space. It can be used for so much, and our kids need more places to play their sports and enjoy things," said Amy Bennett, manager of Enjewel Boutique.

The study will be led by Card and Associates, an Indianapolis-based firm, to examine what could replace the stadium if it is demolished.

Back in October, WINK News reported that the same firm pitched a vision for the park that included a sports complex, community center, indoor facility, hotel space, and single-family homes. 

Data obtained by WINK Investigates revealed that taxpayers paid $165,000 in 2026 to maintain the vacant site.

City leaders have expressed that redeveloping this property is crucial to revitalizing downtown Fort Myers.

"It would help develop the downtown area better," said Fort Myers resident Phil Lipscomb.

"It's City of Palms in Florida, and Fort Myers is known for pushing out some of the best athletes in the country. So if it's for a good cause, I would think it'd be the best way to go about it," said Joseph Leon, another Fort Myers resident.

The study is expected to take several months, after which it will be presented to the council for future decisions.