![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thelehighacresgazette.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/joel-Blvd-Park-300x225.jpg\" "\\"joel")
Plans for a new park in\u00a0Lehigh Acres\u00a0have drawn mixed reviews from residents as Lee County continues its recovery from the Great Recession.<\/p>\nPlans for a new park in\u00a0Lehigh Acres\u00a0have drawn mixed reviews from residents as Lee County continues its recovery from the Great Recession.<\/p>\n
Johnson Engineering designed the proposed 30-acre park off Joel Boulevard south of Palm Beach Boulevard. The county hired the design firm on a $98,400 contract. The public will get a chance to see designs at an open house June 24 at Alva Community Center, 21471 N. River Road, Alva.<\/p>\n
The agricultural park will provide residents with opportunities to learn about the latest urban farming techniques.<\/p>\n
The concept design shows a parking lot at the entrance of the park, on the east side of Joel Boulevard, with multiple shaded picnic areas and a playground sitting to the north. To the east, the design shows a paved path taking residents past an outdoor classroom canopy, agricultural greenhouses and multiple agricultural displays featuring vegetables, turf, nontraditional food crops and Florida edible plants.<\/p>\n
Moving east, just south of the Alva Scrubs Preserve, the design shows a meadow with marsh areas to the south for wading birds. Primitive and multiuse trails outline the marsh areas.<\/p>\n
Director of Parks and Recreation Dana Kasler said the county has shown signs of economic recovery, allowing it to redevelop areas such as Lehigh Acres.<\/p>\n
“We are currently looking for large tracts of land for various styles of parks in the eastern part of the county,” Kasler said. “As Lee County’s economy continues its recovery and upswing, (parks and recreation) is planning as well to meet the needs of the community as a whole.”<\/p>\n
According to Betsy Clayton, communications director for Lee County, said the county acquired the land for the park in 2008 for $800,000 and plans to use $1.5 million in community impact fees for construction. Income from those fees fell during the economic downturn but have since come back. The county also plans to apply for one or more grants.<\/p>\n
The county has inquired about property north of the park, Clayton said, but did not encounter a willing seller.<\/p>\n
If you go<\/p>\n
What:\u00a0Public open house on 30-acre park in Lehigh Acres.<\/p>\n
When:\u00a06:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Alva Community Center, 21471 N. River Road, Alva.<\/p>\n