Lee commission gives nod to Estero park name

The name Estero Community Park has been revived as the top pick for a 55-acre park off Corkscrew Road.

Lee County commissioners today gave an informal nod to the name by a 3-2 vote. The name will be placed on an upcoming county commission agenda for formal adoption.

The park was called Estero Community Park for several years until Lee County Parks and Recreation officials renamed it Oak Hill Community Park in March. Parks and recreation staffers said the new name was an effort to make residents outside the community of Estero feel welcome at the facility. That name wasn't embraced by the public, however, and soon the Estero Chamber of Commerce floated the name "B.E.S.T. Community Park," which represents the four communities of Bonita, Estero, San Carlos Park and Three Oaks.

This afternoon, commissioners Ray Judah, Bob Janes and Doug St. Cerny supported a return to the name Estero Community Park. Commissioner John Albion suggested Corkscrew Community Park because of its location off Corkscrew Road. That idea was supported by Commissioner Tammy Hall. It's uncertain yet when the name will appear on a commission agenda for a final vote.