Lee Board approves construction of three new pickleball courts and related amenities at Phillips Park on Pine Island
The Lee Board of County Commissioners continued its commitment to Parks & Recreation facilities last week with a vote to construct three new pickleball courts and amenities at Phillips Park, 5675 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia.
The vote approved an amendment to the Construction Manager Services Agreement with Stultz Inc. to construct the new courts, benches, sidewalks, landscaping, fencing, and one ADA-accessible parking space at the park for a price not to exceed $616,199.30.
In addition to restoring facilities damaged by hurricanes, including Lynn Hall Memorial Park, Matlacha Community Park and Causeway Islands Park, the board has supported expanding pickleball facilities.
Phillips Park opened on Pine Island in 1973. Three tennis courts were added in 1976, and they have been shared by tennis and pickleball players. The community has expressed the desire for dedicated pickleball courts. This project will improve accessibility and meet community demand. Work is expected to begin in May and be completed this fall.
In addition to this project, the board recently has made additional commitments to pickleball facilities, including:
• A project to resurface the public courts at Wa-Ke Hatchee Park, 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers,
• A $3.2 million improvement project at Rutenberg Park that added eight lighted pickleball courts, including four covered courts, along with a shade structure, ADA-compliant restrooms, a staff office building, parking lot improvements, new sidewalks and a paved walking trail.
To find other Lee County Parks & Recreation sites with pickleball courts, go to the Park Finder and select “pickleball” in the Search by Park Amenity field.
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