Community leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony, for the newly installed state of the art turf field at Jeff Sommer Stadium on August 23, 2024.
Estero Mayor Jon McLain welcomed the crowd, Estero High Director of Athletics David LaRosa and Estero High Principal Jennifer Biddell honored the late Athletic Director and Coach Jeff Sommer for whom the stadium is named.
Also taking part in the ribbon cutting were: Vice Mayor Joanne Ribble, Councilmembers Lori Fayhee, Larry Fiesel, Rafael Lopez, Jim Ward, George Zalucki and Village Manager Steve Sarkozy. Estero High School officials included: Planning/Growth and Capacity Dr. Molloy, Estero High Athletic Director Gary White and newly elected District 3 Lee County School Board member Bill Ribble.
Over the summer, the Village of Estero had Hellas Construction, Inc., install artificial turf at the football field. This project features products used by professional football leagues including a Cushdrain shock pad to reduce hardness of the playing surface, Matrix Helix synthetic turf, and Ecotherm infill to reduce the temperature of the field surface.
This was the Village’s first improvement project in the new Sports Park.
The 99-year partnership with the Lee County School Board will provide the improved stadium, soccer fields, basketball, baseball, pickleball and walking trails connecting to the Village’s neighboring Entertainment Center.