Upgrades for Fort Myers' Shady Oaks Park begins soon

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Major upgrades are coming to Shady Oaks Park in Fort Myers. The city is rolling out its first project under the $75 million General Obligation (G.O.) Bond referendum approved by voters in 2024. City officials believe these improvements could transform the park for years to come.

The City of Fort Myers plans to give Shady Oaks Park a major facelift, with upgrades designed to make the space more modern, accessible, and family-friendly.

Shady Oaks Park has been a community staple for years, from its softball fields to the boardwalk along Billy's Creek. Now, city leaders are setting the stage for some big changes.

The first phase will feature a brand-new multipurpose turf field for football, soccer, and lacrosse, which is set to break ground soon.

"This is the first project that we're coming out of the gate as part of the G.O. bond initiative. So $75 million that was passed, approved by the citizens of Fort Myers," said Elgin Hicks, Fort Myers Parks and Recreation Director.

But the field is just the beginning. The city is also evaluating renovations to the park's two existing softball fields, upgrades to the boardwalk, playground enhancements, and improved access to Billy's Creek.

"A lot of the things that we've heard through the steering committees and the public meetings that we had throughout the G.O. Bond initiative, was connectivity," said Hicks.

People who use the park weekly are excited to see the improvements and additions, especially as the city's population grows.

"I think it's a great idea. I mean, this is the type of stuff money needs to be spent on, you know, help out the kids and citizens of the area," said Ken Duffey, who utilizes the park.

"I'm glad they're stepping up to renovate this park," said Dan Varner, another park user.

People will have a chance to share their input on the final design at a public meeting at the Riverside Community Center. It takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.