Two Public Meetings at Estero RiverPark to tour the property.
June 19 & June 20, from 9:00-11:30 am.
Click the date to view the Notice
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
Council takes another step toward acquiring land adjacent to the Estero River at their special meeting on October 31, 2018
Council adopted a new resolution approving the purchase and sale agreement with the Trust for Public Land for 62 acres of land adjacent to the Estero River at their meeting on October 31. This special [Read More.]
Council conducted a special meeting/zoning hearing on October 24, 2018
Action Item Resolution No. 2018-18 – Estero River Land Purchase Council adopted this resolution with changes made to the purchase and sale agreement. The resolution authorizes the amended purchase and sale agreement with The Trust [Read More.]
Miromar Outlet Hotel, gas pump security measures, Land Development Code and Estero Parkway were addressed at the Council meeting on October 17, 2018
Public Comment Barbara Saxton, Friends of River Oaks Preserve, stated the group is now comprised of 12 members. Volunteers from FGCU and the ROTC will be helping clear some of the invasives on the property [Read More.]
Council approved a reduced tax rate, FY 2018-2019 budget and proposed land purchase at their meeting on September 20, 2018
Council voted to adopt a reduction in the millage rate from 0.7798 to 0.7750 mills. This is the third year Council has reduced the millage rate, which is the lowest tax rate in all of [Read More.]
Millage rate, budget and riverfront land purchase among items on the agenda for Council at their meeting at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 20, 2018
Council will conduct a final public hearing and adoption of the 2018-2019 ad valorem tax rate and budget at their meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 20. In addition, they will consider adopting a [Read More.]
A reduced millage rate, the budget and riverfront land purchase among items addressed by Council on September 5, 2018
Proposed Riverfront Land Purchase Workshop Village Manager Steve Sarkozy briefed Council and a packed Council Chambers on a prospective environmental land purchase. This is 62 acres on the northeast corner of US 41 and Corkscrew [Read More.]