Community & Membership Meeting: Sports Park Complex

May 23 Community & Membership Meeting Summary

Introduction

On May 23, 2025, the Engage Estero Community and Membership Meeting convened at the Estero Park and Recreation Center to discuss the new Estero Recreation & Sports Complex. 60 residents attended the meeting.

Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s President, introduced Michael Comparato, Chairman and CEO of Vieste LLC, who is the Project Manager of the Sports and Recreation Complex, and David Willems, Director of Public Works, who provided additional insights from Estero’s Village Management perspective.

The sports complex will be located on the parcel of land between Williams Road and Via Coconut Point. High 5 Entertainment, which has entered into a public-private partnership (one of 5 that are being considered), will build the Pickleball courts on the site, together with several other attractions, including 10-pin bowling and axe throwing.

In January 2024, the Village Council and Lee Schools agreed to lease just over 50 acres of the adjacent playing fields for 99 years. The Village will spend approximately $10 million on updates and renovations, including covered areas over the basketball courts, renovations to the tennis courts that could also be used as pickleball courts, and the installation of artificial turf for the stadium fields. Rezoning has been approved, and the development order is being processed. The development of Estero Sports Park stems from a strategic acquisition of land, and now includes a site of almost 100 acres comprising:

• 21.2 acres previously owned by the Village.
• 52.8 acres through a lease agreement with the Lee County School District.
• 25.5 acres purchased from Lee County for $700,000.

Project Timeline & Phases

Michael explained that the development of the Estero Sports Park Complex is structured into multiple phases:

Immediate Phase: Upgrading the Estero High School football field with artificial turf. This phase is scheduled to commence immediately upon approval by the Village Council.

Second Phase: Planning is underway for enhancements to that area, including the renovation of tennis courts, construction of two to three covered basketball courts, addition of two to three pickleball courts, and related infrastructure improvements. This phase is expected to be ready for Council approval in the latter half of 2025.

Williams Road Sports Entertainment District: Development of a public-private partnership on Village-owned property, featuring amenities such as a pickleball facility and the “High 5” entertainment venue. Construction is scheduled to begin in July, with completion anticipated by late spring 2026.

Other Public-Private Partnerships. Michael and the Village Management have identified four additional areas within the complex where they are inviting other companies to submit proposals that would offer a good fit for the range of sports-related entertainment to be considered for the benefit of residents.

1. 1. One such company will be installing a driving range.
   2. Another will likely install indoor climbing walls for children and adults.
   3. If the public has any suggestions for other potential companies that might provide appealing facilities, they can contact Michael via email at mcomparato@viestellc.com.

 Key Features for Residents

Residents should be aware of the following key features of the project:

Multi-Sport Facilities: The complex will offer diverse athletic facilities, including upgraded football and tennis courts, covered basketball courts, and pickleball courts.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations with private entities like “High 5” aim to enhance recreational offerings and economic vitality.

Community-Centric Design: The development emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, catering to a wide range of community members.

Veteran Recognition: An area within the event lawn is anticipated to provide an opportunity to relax and remember those who have given their lives to protect our freedom and way of life.

The Lake: The large lake will provide an opportunity for residents to relax under the cover of several canopied areas.

A Wide Range of Options will be Provided: When complete, the facilities on offer will enable families to enjoy a full day out at the Sports Complex.

Community Benefits

The Estero Sports Park Complex is poised to deliver several benefits to the community:

Enhanced Recreational Opportunities: Residents will have access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, promoting health and wellness.

Economic Growth: The project is expected to attract visitors and stimulate local businesses, contributing to the economic development of Estero.

Educational Partnerships: Upgrades to Estero High School’s athletic facilities will support student-athletes and school programs.

Q&A Session Highlights

Residents can access the PowerPoint presentation and the YouTube recording of the meeting by clicking on the following links. The responses to the questions asked at the meeting can be viewed on the video recording.    

The residents raised many questions during the Q&A session. This session was valuable in helping to identify residents’ concerns and areas of interest in the plans.

• Project Funding: Questions were raised about the financial aspects of the project, including the use of state and federal grants.
• Timeline Clarifications: Residents inquired about specific timelines for each phase, seeking clarity on commencement and completion dates.
• Traffic and Parking: Several questions were raised about how traffic would access the complex, the location of parking areas, and general concerns about the increase in traffic volume in the area.
• Charges for Pickleball and Restaurants: Although these issues are clearly of importance to the public and have been a point of discussion between the Village and High 5, it was still too early to specify the final charges for the range of facilities that will be provided.
• Group Bookings: A few questions were raised about group bookings for sports fields and High 5 facilities. The response was “yes,” although priority will be given to areas of the Sports Complex that Estero High School requires. As a result, there may be times when those areas cannot be used.  
• The Food and Restaurants Available: Questions were raised about what range of food services would be available. While Fast Food options would not be available, those companies (not finalized) would be providing a wide range of popular food options. At times when large events were planned, Food trucks would be made available.
• Community Involvement: Discussions emphasized the importance of resident input and participation in the planning process.

Additional Information

Vieste LLC, under the leadership of Michael Comparato, specializes in municipal economic and infrastructure development projects, including sports and entertainment complexes.  The firm’s collaboration with the Village of Estero exemplifies a strategic approach to community development through public-private partnerships. For more details and updates on the Estero Sports Park Complex, residents are encouraged to visit Engage Estero’s website or to contact Michael Comparato -mcomparato@viestellc.com.

The Presidents Report

At the end of the meeting, Allan Bowditch mentioned that although there would be no further Engage Estero Community Meetings until the fall, he outlined some plans for the fall. These included:

 September 26th: – Community Meeting, Estero Recreation Center. 10 am-11-30am

• Mary Gibbs, Community Development Director: Key Developments taking place in Estero
• Clerk Karnes, People and Community Engagement Director. Ensuring Your Property Remains Yours – Fighting Fraud!

October 28th: – Public Forum. FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom 5:00 pm – 8 pm.

            The Future of Greater Estero: The Plans for a Successful Future

• Steve Sarkozy, Estero’s Village Manager. (TBC)
• Chris Simoneau, MBA, Strategic Director, Marketing and Communications, Lee Health.
• A Leading Visionary Development Director
• An FGCU Senior Professor.  

Allan also summarized the goals of the organization:

• Expand our email list to 15,000, aiming for 20,000 by the end of 2027 (currently 13,000)
• Increase social media followers to 1,000, targeting 15,000 by 2027
• Launch podcasts, which have already begun!
• Form an Engage Estero research team by June 2025
• Achieve a funding level of at least $400,000 over the next three years
• Maintain a minimum balance of $750,000 in an escrow account for emergencies
• Transition Engage Estero into a professionally managed and volunteer-led organization over the coming years.

To address these goals, it will be important to:

• Engage with the community for insights
• Adopt a nonpartisan and unbiased approach
• Motivate businesses and individuals to invest
• Ensure a strong return on investment (ROI)
• Partner with local individuals and/or companies to enhance our research efforts
• Host networking and informational events to foster connections.

The meeting concluded with the very kind offering of ice cream to those present, courtesy of Abigail Wigginton, Regional Director of Operations, American House (Senior Living Communities).  Engage Estero extends its thanks to Abigail and American House.

• If you would like to receive Engage Estero’s regular communications that will keep you updated on what is happening in greater Estero and provide valuable information on health-related topics, education, recreation, safety, traffic, developments, and environmental issues, you can easily sign up on the front page of our website esterotoday.com.

Support Engage Estero

By donating to Engage Estero, you’re not just giving money; you’re making a lasting impact, and contributions qualify for tax relief due to our IRS nonprofit 501(c)3 designation. Every dollar you contribute is a step toward building the Estero we all envision—a community that is stronger, more connected, and better prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The best part? You will witness the difference your support makes, whether through well-planned improvements, a revitalized neighborhood, informed residents, or the smiles of children who will inherit a brighter future.

• Your support helps organize community forums where residents can voice their concerns and learn about pressing local issues.
• Your generosity fuels initiatives that enhance public safety, reduce traffic congestion, improve environmental sustainability, and enrich local amenities.
• Your contribution ensures that Engage Estero remains independent and unbiased, free from political agendas, and focused solely on what’s best for our community.

Please send your contribution to Engage Estero at P.O. Box 424, Estero, FL 33929. Or pledge online using the link below: https://esterotoday.app.neoncrm.com/forms/make-certain-our-future