Petition to Install a Splash Pad at Estero Sports Park

To:
Village of Estero Council / Lee County Parks and Recreation Department
Estero, FL
9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Suite 101
06/19/2025

Dear Mayor Joanne Ribble, Village Staff and City Council Members,

We, the undersigned parents, caregivers, and residents of Estero, FL, respectfully submit this petition requesting the installation of a splash pad/water feature for kids at Estero Sports Park/ Estero Community Park.

Our community is home to hundreds of families with young children who regularly use Estero Community Park and will use Estero Sports Park for outdoor recreation. While we appreciate the playground and green space currently available and planned for the future, the park lacks a safe, water-based feature that would help children stay active and cool during the hot summer months. A splash pad would provide:

• A safe, accessible way for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy water play.
• A low-maintenance, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pools.
• An enhancement to community well-being and local recreation, encouraging families to stay active outdoors.
• A central gathering place that fosters stronger community bonds among neighbors.

A fenced in splash pad offers a safe, interactive water play area for children of all ages. It promotes physical activity, social interaction, and sensory development, all while helping families beat the Florida heat. For many parents with young children, traditional sports facilities, such as the one currently being planned, may not yet be age-appropriate. If Estero Sports Park is meant to be a community hub, how can it be if our younger residents are not included? A splash pad creates an inclusive, recreational option that brings together children of all abilities. Adding a splash pad would enhance the park’s appeal by creating a destination that truly serves all ages—from toddlers to grandparents. It would encourage longer park visits, foster multi-generational play, and make the park a more comprehensive, family-friendly environment.

We believe a splash pad would significantly enrich the quality of life in Estero, and we are confident that it would be a well-used and appreciated asset by families across our area.

The closest current attractions are at Lakes Park in Fort Myers and Vineyards Community Park in Naples. There are no current public splash pads or public water attractions for little kids in Estero.

With the expansion out east the amount of families with kids is projected to grow in the coming years.

We urge the city to consider including this request in the formal plans for Estero Sports Park, the next round of park improvement projects or capital budget planning. We are willing to support this effort through community engagement, fundraising, and volunteer work as needed.

Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to improving public spaces for all citizens.

Sincerely,
Brawley Adams
Husband, Father, Business Owner, Estero Palms Resident, Engage Estero Board Member
239-445-5131 Babrawleyadams@gmail.com
On behalf of the families and children of the Village of Estero and beyond.

*attached is an example of what a splash pad is.