County officials, planners unveil latest designs for new community center

Lee County officials and consultants have unveiled the latest plans for a new North Fort Myers Community Center.
If approved by the county, it will not only serve as an emergency shelter, but also provide much-needed meeting space, recreational amenities and provide a venue for events.
A detailed presentation was given by the chief architect for the project, W. Jeffrey Mudgett, of Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects, Inc. at a recent public input meeting. He explained the numerous facets of the proposed new facility.
Community members were very excited about the plans for the new facility, but what no official can confirm is when it actually will be built, despite years of planning.
County Commissioner Tammy Hall has been a champion of the project, and has gotten it to a point where it is part of the Lee County Plan.
“Right now it is in the fiscal budget for 2012-2013,” said Mudgett. “Your commissioner Tammy Hall is working to get this moved up to a possible October 2011 date. $6.3-million is being held in the Capital Plan to break ground.”
There may also be a budgetary concern about if the center is built, from where will the operational funds come.
“Money is slated to be there, and I am hopeful,” said Barbara Manza, head of Lee County Parks & Recreation. “Budgets could change at any time in the current economic climate.”
She said it has been a long-time cooperative effort. “It is a combined effort of the Parks & Rec team, the County Department of Construction & Design, our contracted design firm and our community members.”
“We are urging those attending and from the community to write letters or contact all of the County Commissioners about this project,” said Mudgett. “March is when they (County Commissioners) do the budgets, and now is the time of influence.” He added the process may be March through May.
A specific discussed at the meeting was the emergency shelter aspect. “The building will be 150 MPH resistant hurricane shelter with flood elevation of Category 3,” said Ayoub R. Al-Bahoe, the capital construction manger for Lee County Department of Construction and Design.
The shelter is estimated to hold in the 400 range of people, said Manzo, based on the numbers of Estero plan which has a similar shelter, but with different dimensions.
Another key area of interest to community members is the area now known as The Pavilion.
“The Pavilion is a covered porch on the side of the building which can double as a stage area for events,” said Mudgett.
Total square footage of the building could not be provided at press time by Parker/Mudgett/Smith.
It was noted in the presentation by Mudgett that, “14,560 square foot will be for the gymnasium and 19,000 square foot would be used surrounding the interior.”
When asked to clarify, a representative of the firm stated that square footages are approximate. The spaces surrounding the gymnasium are the entry lobby, several multi-purpose rooms, a game room, a weight room, restrooms, administration and storage.
Any questions concerning the design of the center can be sent, and are welcomed, to wjm@pmsarch.com.
Commissioner Tammy Hall has always asked for public input. Her contact information is dist4@leegov.com or 533-2226.
The new recreation center will be built on the grounds of North Fort Myers Community Park.
The current center is at 2021 N. Tamiami Trail, behind the North Fort Myers Library.