Legacy Island Park construction is officially moving forward as Fort Myers city officials recently approved a critical contract to begin the project’s second phase. During a regular session on April 20, the City Council awarded a $396,137.50 contract to WB Williamson Bros. Inc. to transform this riverfront asset into a premier public destination. Located in the Caloosahatchee River just upstream of the Business U.S. 41 bridge, the park is designed to offer a unique stop for boaters navigating the waters leading toward the Gulf.
Phase 2 of Legacy Island Park Construction
This latest stage of the Legacy Island Park construction focuses on expanding recreational infrastructure and accessibility. Following a competitive bidding process, Williamson Bros. was selected as the lowest responsible bidder to oversee the development of several key maritime and public features.
The scope of work for this phase includes:
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Five-Slip Docking Facility: Providing safe mooring for recreational vessels.
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Overwater Observation Pier: Offering panoramic views of the Caloosahatchee River.
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Public Amenities: Installation of two gazebos and comprehensive navigational signage.
Funding for this infrastructure investment is supported by a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This follow-up work builds upon Phase 1, which was completed in 2024 and focused on shoreline stabilization, land clearing, and the strategic planting of native mangroves to ensure environmental resiliency.
Impact of Legacy Island Park Construction on Local Real Estate
From a market perspective, the Legacy Island Park construction represents a significant value-add for the Fort Myers waterfront. In Southwest Florida, “destination” parks that cater specifically to the boating community are high-demand assets. For residential properties along the river corridor, the addition of a public docking facility and observation pier enhances the local “lifestyle factor,” which often correlates with sustained property interest.
Key benefits of the project include:
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Enhanced Water Access: Increasing the number of public touchpoints for boaters traveling between downtown Fort Myers and the Gulf.
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Environmental Stewardship: Continuing the work of shoreline stabilization to protect the river’s ecological health.
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Urban Revitalization: Contributing to the City of Fort Myers broader vision of a connected, vibrant riverfront district.
Timeline and Completion
Work on Phase 2 of the Legacy Island Park construction is expected to be completed within 210 days of the notice to proceed. This timeline suggests that the new amenities could be available to the public by the end of 2026. As the city continues to invest in recreational infrastructure, this island park stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to balancing urban growth with environmental preservation.
Project Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
| Project Name | Legacy Island Park (Phase 2) |
| Total Contract Value | $396,137.50 |
| Contractor | WB Williamson Bros. Inc. |
| Construction Timeline | 210 Days |
| Primary Funding | FWC Grant |
| Key Amenities | 5 Boat Slips, Observation Pier, 2 Gazebos |
