Veterans Community Park Work On Schedule

Work on the build-out of the Veterans Community Park Project infrastructure improvements continue to be installed both around the perimeter of the park itself as well as inside the boundaries of the project.

In 2003 Marco Island voters approved a ten-million-dollar purchase for what was then referred to as the Glonn Property. On August 18, 2021, the ceremonial spades went into the ground almost 18 years after citizens agreed to the purchase.

Work has been proceeding smoothly as Manhattan Construction from Ft. Myers, Florida is proceeding to carry out the plans for the park which came together under the watchful eye of both city staff and the Marco Island Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

Work is proceeding down Park Avenue as crews are busily installing the sidewalks as well as stormwater drainage enhancements according to the plans as created by Kimley-Horn and Associates in concert with Manhattan during the last two years, as well as discussions with city staff and the Marco Island City Council. Over 120 diagonal parking spaces will also be installed along Park Avenue.

A recent tropical event caused some issues with the protective fencing surrounding the construction site, causing issues with blowing sand and material. The installation of water sprinklers to dampen the piles of construction material and dirt helped to alleviate that problem.

The amphitheater itself is rated for a 200-mph storm structurally and work was continuing this week on applying a stick-on underlayment prior to the silver metal roofing material being installed, while workmen are busily continuing to work on the interior of the structure. That amphitheater will house specialty lighting and sound equipment, as well as restrooms and changing facilities, all of which will be ADA compliant.

Personnel familiar with the project anticipate the completion of the work sometime in the early Fall of this year.