Advisory group looks to expand Bay Oaks campus
The campus that houses Bay Oaks Recreational Center and the Town of Fort Myers Beach Community Pool could become a larger property, more visible and possibly a money maker if land acquisition comes through.
A member of the Town’s Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board plugged an idea to increase revenue and exposure to the Town-owned facility, pool and land. The proposed preliminary plan would involve purchasing the 2601 Estero Blvd. frontage property that was the former home of The Reef Restaurant.
BORCAB member David Anderson addressed the FMB Town Council recently and believes that realigning the entrance to the campus on the boulevard would not only increase revenue but overall accessibility, especially for senior members and physically challenged people, and create roughly 30 more needed parking spaces. The set-up could include an already discussed parks office building, which would provide informational services, as well as a new senior center within that structure and the inclusion of a dog park.
“With the changes coming to Estero Boulevard, we feel the timing is right to reorganize the entrance into the campus,” he said. “One of our biggest complaints that we hear is that people are unable to find the campus or maneuver around it. Right now, as you enter the campus, you don’t have any idea what is going on until you enter the gym.”
Currently, those wanting to get to Bay Oaks turn onto School Street and left onto Oak Street, where the campus lies. Those biking or walking can enter by way of a paved walkway off the boulevard nearby.
Anderson announced that the property at 2601 Estero Blvd. was recently taken back into inventory by Providence Bank in Jefferson City, Missouri. The price has been set at $166,100, and the out-of-state bank may want to sell quickly.
“By having that property and putting the new entrance to the new campus there, it would be a lot easier for folks to get to,” he said. “If we move and organize in a timely fashion, we can get the property fairly close to that price.”
Another reason for the realignment proposal was to make it easier for the Bay Oaks Social Seniors to traverse to their activities. The senior program has witnessed a decline as of late. Currently, it is a bit of a walk to get to the recreational facility.
“It’s quite a long walk and that discourages the use of the campus,” Anderson said. “We would like to enhance the senior program.”
The cost to “site prep” the 2601 Estero Blvd. would run approximately $120,000, says Anderson.
Increased parking could also mean an increase of swim meets, pool rentals and special events at the pool facility. The fields could also support smaller baseball and softball tournament action in the slower summer months.
“We believe just on the day passes alone, we could pick up $30,000 annually,” he said. “By purchasing this property and remaking our entrance, we believe that the increased number would cover the debt service.”
A realignment of the LeeTran trolley service stops could also aid in accessibility. Drop-off spots are currently in front of the Beach Library and Topps Supermarket.
“With discussion with LeeTran, we believe we can move one of the two trolley stops without much trouble,” said Anderson.
Adding a dog park to the campus has been previously discussed.
“It could be easily funded. Across the nation, one of the hottest additions to recreational campuses are dog parks,” said Anderson. “Dog parks are a big part of grants that are available through the state and feds.”
Grants could definitely help fund such an endeavor. Anderson told Council members that there are a series of state grants through the Florida Park Department for matching funds up to $200,000 as well as federal grants up to $500,000.
“We believe that additions could be paid for without having to impact the taxpayers of the Town,” he said. “It’s very viable for us to get them.”
Anderson asked for Council permission for BORCAB to continue the investigation into the proposal as well as guidance to help through the process. Mayor Anita Cereceda likes the proposal.
“I think it is a great idea, if it is possible,” she said. “I think it is worth looking into.”
Anderson would like to see the Town own all of the parks on the Beach, including big revenue generators Lynn Hall Park and Bowditch Point Park. Bay Oaks costs roughly $800,000 to run annually.
Proving Bay Oaks can be more efficiently run from a financial standpoint and self-sustainable will help the Town Parks & Recreation Department personnel show Town officials of their qualifications in possibly handling the full lot of Beach parks.
“Our overall goal is to move Bay Oaks from a non-revenue facility to at least a revenue-neutral facility as soon as possible,” Anderson said. “Eventually, we would like to see it become a revenue-generating source for the Town and be self-supportive.”