A Private-Public Partnership that enhances our community while keeping government ‘lite’.
The Village of Estero purchased this 10-acre property at the eastern end of Broadway Avenue East in 2022. It is now called River Oaks Preserve and is currently being maintained by the Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and their many volunteers.
The primary reason the Village acquired this land was to create a new stormwater pond and bypass ditch around Country Creek to prevent backups and flooding during future major storm events.
The property contains old oak hammocks, pine and palm trees and will serve the public as a passive park. It’s also home to gopher tortoises, butterflies, birds and an occasional bobcat and coyote.
In the beginning, the volunteers worked to remove the trash that had accumulated over the years, restore tortoise habitat, set up the nursery operation, and are now replacing the invasive plants with native plants.
The Village applied for and received $2,500,000 in funding to develop trails, a pedestrian bridge over the Estero River, a garage, restrooms, and extend water, sewer, and reclaimed water to the property.
The preserve is open on Sundays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. If you would like to get involved with this volunteer effort, you may either just show up on Sundays or Tuesdays during their working hours or you may call 239-273-8945 to offer your services.
2023 Concept Plan
Articles
River Oaks and Gulf Coast Driving Range purchase approved by Council on April 6, 2022
Councilmember Joanne Ribble (left) was congratulated on her 2022 Home Rule Hero Award byMayor Katy Errington Council acknowledged District 1 Councilmember Joanne Ribble who recently received a 2022 Home Rule Hero Award from [Read More.]
River Oaks and Driving Range purchase on the agenda for Council April 6, 2022
At their meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Council will be asked to approve resolutions pertaining to the purchase of the 10-acre property commonly known as “River Oaks” at the east end of Broadway Avenue, as [Read More.]
Additional “green space” being added to the Village as a result of Council actions on March 16, 2022
Estero on the River property The 30-acre Estero on the River property south of the river will soon be rezoned to better match its intended use. It currently is zoned “mixed use” and the Happehatchee [Read More.]
Purchase of “River Oaks” and Gulf Coast Driving Range property among topics for Council of March 16, 2022
The meeting will start with the initiation of a rezoning and Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Estero on the River property south of the river. Council will then vote on the purchase of the “River [Read More.]
Animal control, River Oaks property and Public Works Update presented to Council on February 16, 2022
Council started their meeting recognizing Julie Yellig, who serves as the ECCL/Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator. She has helped organize Estero volunteers join together in an effort to help keep our roadways free of litter. Over 3.8 tons [Read More.]
River Oaks and Public Works Update on the agenda for Council on February 16, 2022
Council will start their meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, recognizing Julie Yellig, who serves as the ECCL/Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator. They will then address an FY 2021-2022 interlocal agreement between Estero and Lee County for Stray Animal [Read More.]