The Village of Estero completed a comprehensive planning study to revitalize the underdeveloped “Old Estero” and Koreshan State Park areas. The Eco-Historic Planning Study will assesses local needs and creates a master plan to improve infrastructure and quality of life for residents while preserving the area’s historical and environmental assets. The goal is to transform the surrounding area into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community through targeted interventions and actionable strategies.
The study is supported by a grant from the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program.
On March 11, 2026 a public meeting was held to share information with the public on the study’s progress and to gather feedback. The slides below were on display at the meeting.
Other public engagement efforts included a Community Open House held on June 24, 2025, presentations to the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on November 18, 2025, and March 10, 2026, and an online survey conducted in January 2026. The plan was subsequently recommended for acceptance by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on June 16, 2026, and was accepted by the Village Council on June 17, 2026.
Click an individual poster to enlarge it, or click the button for a pdf you can download.
Study Location:
The study area is more than 1,000 acres, including the Estero River, a portion of the US-41 corridor, and the planned Bonita–Estero Rail Trail (BERT). Within the study area there are numerous historic sites and cultural assets, conservation lands, and publicly owned properties.
Presentation
LandDesign presented the status of the Eco-Historic Planning Study at the March 10, 2026 Planning, Zoning and Design Board Meeting.
Presentation
LandDesign presented the status of the Eco-Historic Planning Study at the June 16, 2026 Planning, Zoning and Design Board Meeting.
Articles that include information about the Study
SportsPark, Septic to Sewer and High 5 among many topics addressed by Council on June 17, 2026
Action Items Estero RiverPark Eco-Historic Planning Study Village consultants Phillip Bryant and Anie Delgato presented an overview of the Eco-Historic Planning Study prepared by Land Design Inc. The Village received a $450,000 Community Development Block [Read More.]
Capital Improvement Program and Eco-Historic Planning Study addressed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on June 16, 2026
The meeting started with Board members selecting Michael Sheeley to serve as vice-chair of the Board. Public Information Meeting Capital Improvement Program Public Works Director David Willems described how the Capital Improvement Program will set [Read More.]
Eco-Historic Planning Study, Sports Park and High 5 among topics for Council on June 17, 2026
Koreshan State Park Council will start their meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, addressing the Eco-Historic Planning Study, termination of state funding for Sandy Lane Bike/Ped Improvements, the Village security system, FEMA grants for a regional [Read More.]
Capital Improvement Plan and Eco-Historic Planning Study on the agenda for the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on June 16, 2026
The Board will start their meeting at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, with a public information meeting presentation of proposed Capital Improvement Plan by Public Works Director David Willems. This will be followed by a public hearing [Read More.]
New Eco-Historic Planning page on Estero’s website
The Village is planning the future of “Old Estero” along the U.S. 41 corridor and nearby neighborhoods from Estero Parkway from the north, south to Hertz on both sides of 41. This effort focuses on [Read More.]
Walmart, Corkscrew Village and Coconut Point apartments addressed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on March 10, 2026
Public Hearing Walmart repaint color palette The applicant is planning to repaint their building located at 19975 South Tamiami Trail. The Board voted to approve this application subject to a change of paint color to [Read More.]