Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach is closed for a yearlong renovation project starting Monday.
Shari Walker came to the beach with her family, and as she drove over the Matanzas Pass Bridge, she looked at the park and said, "The parking lot? Looked completely empty. We were excited," she continued, "and then we found out they were all closed and we had to come to this alternate parking space," Walker said.
As of Monday, the park and parking lot are shut down and will remain closed for about a year. Lee County crews are starting long-term improvements, including rebuilding restrooms destroyed by Hurricane Ian with an elevated design to better withstand future storms.
The project also includes new boardwalks, picnic areas, and added lighting, all aimed at making the park safer and more modern. However, there are still more than 400 other parking spaces across the island, plus a park-and-ride tram off Summerlin Road to help people get to the beach.
Portable restrooms will stay open during construction.
"I guess we'll just have to go down to Bowditch Point or find another parking spot," Walker said.
The project is expected to wrap up by next summer. You can go here for a list of Lee County beach parks and here for updates on design, construction, and completion of Lynn Hall Memorial Park and other Lee County Parks & Recreation projects.
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