The Estero RiverPark (fka “Estero on the River”) project is a transformative initiative by the Village of Estero, Florida, aimed at preserving natural landscapes, enhancing recreational opportunities, and promoting environmental sustainability. This purchase was conducted in response to residents’ requests to embrace Estero’s historic heritage and protect the environment. The plan includes a private-public partnership with the Estero Forever Foundation to provide services while keeping to the Village’s goal of government ‘lite’.
The project exemplifies the Village of Estero’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. By transforming a previously approved high-density development site into a preserved natural area with passive recreational amenities, the Village is enhancing the quality of life for its residents while protecting vital ecosystems.
Project Phases
Phase 1:
- Construction of an entry road and parking lot.
- Installation of a restroom facility.
- Development of a pedestrian bridge over the Estero River.
- Creation of walking paths, with a decision to use mulch instead of pavement to save costs.
Phase 2:
- Expansion of walking paths on both sides of the Estero River.
- Installation of fencing around the southern property boundary.
- Development of a path along the north side of Corkscrew Road.
Construction management for these phases is being handled by Manhattan Construction, with oversight by CW3 Engineering, Inc., ensuring adherence to project plans and timelines.
Property Location:
North of Corkscrew Road and East of US 41
The project encompasses approximately 62.5 acres at the northeast corner of Corkscrew Road and U.S. 41, extending north to Judith Lane and east to the Seminole Gulf Railway .
Environmental Considerations
This area lies within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and includes portions of the Estero River floodway.
The property is home to a pair of bald eagles, which have been nesting on-site since 2022. To protect these federally protected birds, construction activities are restricted during the nesting season, from October 1 to May 15.
Articles
REMINDER: Don’t miss your opportunity to provide input on the Estero on the River property September 30, 2020
The Village is providing an opportunity for you to provide feedback regarding your priorities for the uses on the 62-acre Estero on the River property. Brian Canin, the Village’s consultant, has conducted one public meeting [Read More.]
Estero on the River public meeting held on September 12, with second scheduled for September 30, 2020
Village consultant Brian Canin is conducting these meetings to encourage input from residents regarding what they want to see happen with this property. The 62-acre Estero on the River property is the land that faces [Read More.]
What would you like to see happen on the Estero on the River property?
The Village wants to hear your opinion on the uses for the Village’s Estero on the River property. The Village’s consultant Canin Associates will be conducting two public meetings to gather input from residents. The [Read More.]
Estero on the River topic for Village Council workshop on September 1, 2020
Village consultant Canin Associates will conduct a workshop on the Estero on the River property for the Village Council at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Canin Associates is assisting the Village with its efforts to identify [Read More.]
Estero on the River bank loan, US 41 median landscaping and Estero Parkway among items addressed by Council on December 5, 2018 Action Items
Estero on the River 10-year Bank Loan Council approved awarding the fixed rate, 10-year bank loan RFP to Capital Bank, a division of First Tennessee Bank to provide funding for the Estero on the River [Read More.]
Land purchase contingencies, updated FEMA maps and the Village’s reserve policy among items addressed by Council on November 28, 2018
Councilmembers Jon McLain, Howard Levitan, Vice-Mayor Bill Ribble, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Councilmember Katy Errington, Mayor Jim Boesch, Councilmembers Jim Wilson and Nick Batos State Senator Kathleen Passidomo presented Council with a legislative update, [Read More.]