Centennial Park in Fort Myers to temporarily close for renovations

Changes are coming to a decades-old park. Centennial Park is getting some much-needed improvements.

Paige Rausch wasn’t expecting to see this right in the middle of Centennial Park.

“Complete shock to see a big mud pit,” she said.

Right where the old children’s playground used to be. The eyesore has others like Eli Joyce wondering. “Is the park closing?”

The city of Fort Myers says yes, but temporarily.

The city is set to begin a million dollar renovation to the park that includes upgrades to the restrooms, landscaping and replacing the almost 30-year-old equipment on the children’s playground.

“It’s definitely a major asset and amenity for our area,” Joyce said.

The project is set to go along with the construction of a new amphitheater. Rausch says she’s excited to see the park being updated, but, “I just would’ve wished for there to be a notice that if you want to go capture one more photo by X, Y or Z,” she said.

“I’m happy that it looks like it’s going to be improved down here,” said Joyce.

The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2021. The city is using funds from the state legislature to pay for the $1 million park renovations. The project overall is expected to cost more than $3 million.

All areas of Centennial Park will be closed effective Monday. In addition to the new playground, the park will feature modern, accessible amenities.