Press Release 21-41 (08/06/21) Veterans' Community Park Groundbreaking Ceremony

08-06-21

21-41

Beginning Monday, August 9, 2021, Veterans’ Community Park on Marco Island will be closed to the public as construction materials and fencing are put in place to begin a year-long reconstruction and park improvement project. The community is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony on August 18, 2021, at 10:00am near the Veterans’ Memorial Fountain at 901 Park Avenue, Marco Island.

The City of Marco Island purchased the park in 2004 and it has served as a meaningful location for many residents ever since. In 2009 the City began hosting its seasonal Farmer’s Market at the park. In 2015 local Veterans’ organizations raised funds to add a Veterans’ Memorial Walkway and Fountain. The park has been the home of many large events including the annual Island Rocks Concert, the Christmas tree lighting, Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day ceremonies, the Seafood Festival and more. Events and programs at Veterans’ Community Park have built a sense of community and belonging for Marco Island residents.

In 2017 the City contracted with Kimley-Horn and Associates to design a new park layout including a multi-generational play area, a state-of-the-art bandshell and concert lawn, a Veterans’ Memorial Garden, new restroom facilities, and a large space for the City’s Farmer’s Market. These improvements will allow the City to host a wide range of programs, events, and activities that will be accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and interests all year round.

In 2020 the City approved a contract with Manhattan Construction Company as construction manager to lead the park renovations. The project cost is approximately $11 million, which is partially funded by the voter-approved Collier County local option sales tax. The project is expected to be completed by July 2022.

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