Weeks Fish Camp legacy lives on as Bonita Springs boat launch reopens

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK) — Weeks Fish Camp, a historic waterfront property, is reopening after being closed to the public for more than a decade for redevelopment.

The project has seen controversy as developers and local boaters debated over the preservation of public water access and parking.

WINK News reporter Camila Pereira spoke with the Weeks family about seeing the boat launch back open to the public soon.

The site where Weeks Fish Camp used to be was flooded by local boaters, fishers and families for decades. While it may look more modern, be surrounded by high-rises and have a new name, it will still be the same public boat launch it was before it closed in 2014.

Jim Weeks, great-grandson to the founder of Weeks Fish Camp and board member of the Bonita Springs Historical Society, says the developers, London Bay Homes, agreed to keep it open to the public forever. The developers are working with the Weeks family to preserve the history and their family's legacy.

"Thanks to Mark Wilson and his team, whom I met in 2018, they were the first developers to foresee a project that can keep the family history tied to such an important location," Weeks said. "And I thank them for that."

"And for working with me, the history is gonna continue down there, continue to be shared and grow," Weeks said. "And more people putting boats out to have adventures like we had when I was growing up."

The public launch access is expected to open on Monday. Weeks says he cannot wait to see this spot back in the community.

Mark Wilson, CEO of London Bay Development Group released the following statement regarding the Bonita Springs boat launch:

"We are very excited to officially reopen public launch access at Saltleaf Marina next week and restore a meaningful connection to Estero Bay for the community. We understand the history of this site and the role Weeks’ fish camp has played for generations of local boaters, and we are grateful to Jim Weeks for working closely with us throughout this process. New marina access is increasingly rare in Southwest Florida, and this opening creates a thoughtful public launch point for residents, locals and visitors to explore Estero Bay, the Gulf and the natural beauty that makes this area so special.”

— Mark Wilson, CEO of London Bay Development Group.