Construction causes congestion in Gilchrist Park

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — A portion of Gilchrist Park is closed for the next year, and residents are noticing the impact on the rest of park.

“This side of the park is real crowded now, and you just can’t walk and leisurely ride your bike,” parkgoer Pam Robertson said.

Small parking lots are overflowing, causing cars to line the grass surrounding the park.

“A lot of people that would normally park up there are all parking around the pickleball courts and on the grass,” said David Fox, the park’s pickleball director. “And when we come down here at 8 o’clock, it’s fully congested already.”

The park is receiving a complete overhaul, including a 20-foot harbor walk, a new sea wall and updated amenities.

Despite the inconvenience, the construction will be worth it in the end, residents said.

The project will cost $2 million and is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Punta Gorda.