The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation, which will contribute nearly $4.4 million toward a planned 6-mile-long linear park along the Able Canal in Lehigh Acres.
The linear park will include a shared-use pathway, bicycle/pedestrian bridge, landscaping, shade structures and site amenities, with connections to Harns Marsh, Lehigh Acres Park/Barbara Farrell Park, Lehigh Elementary School and Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park.
Lee County is contributing an additional $9.5 million toward the project.
The property along the Able Canal is owned by the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District. The district has been closely involved in the design and permitting and will be involved during construction. The district will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure not associated with the linear park project.
The pathway will offer healthy recreational activities, as well as provide convenient and safe non-motorized access between numerous residential, commercial, recreational and civic destinations. This could reduce motor vehicle traffic in Lehigh Acres.
Construction of the project is expected to begin late this year and be complete by fall 2026.
For more information about Lee County Parks and Recreation locations, amenities, and special events, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275, email leeparks@leegov.com or follow Lee County Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
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