Causeway Islands Park reopens with first phase finished
The Causeway Islands Park along the Sanibel Causeway opened on May 1 with its first phase of amenities, marking the first time that visitors can enjoy the beach park since Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The park had been closed due to rebuilding activities by the Florida Department of Transportation, which used the site during the process of rebuilding the causeway to make it more resilient.
With the FDOT’s restoration complete, Lee County Parks & Recreation has resumed its redesign and improvement efforts.
Phase one offers free parking, portable restrooms, and trash and recycling bins.
Beach visitors will notice an increased presence of rangers and parks staff to assist with free parking in designated areas and other questions. Park hours are dawn to dusk; rangers will patrol per usual to ensure park rules are followed. Volunteers from partnering organizations will be on site to educate park patrons about nesting shorebirds. Nesting areas will be well marked to protect the birds from visitors.
The county is in the design phase for the phase two improvements. The $1.31 million contract, which was approved in October, will focus on creating a more resilient park. Improvements will include structured parking areas, restrooms on both Islands A and B, beach access and ADA accommodations, outdoor showers, site drainage and irrigation systems, shade structures and landscaping.
The design phase is expected to be complete this summer and will be presented to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners for approval, with construction expected to begin in late 2025 and completion anticipated in 2026, weather permitting.
The Causeway Islands Park improvements are being funded through a combination of resources, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program, state appropriations and Lee County Tourist Development Taxes on short-term lodging.
Progress on the project can be found on the Lee County Parks Project Information Tool at www.leegov.com/parks. It gives updates on design, construction and completion of the project.