Lee Commissioners approve design contract for Able Canal shared-use pathway

FORT MYERS – The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to approve a design contract for the 6-mile long Able Canal shared-use pathway in Lehigh Acres.

Florida-based Kisinger Campo & Associates Corp. will design an approximately six-mile-long shared-use pathway with a bicycle/pedestrian bridge, high-emphasis crosswalks, shade structures, landscaping and other amenities. It will create additional access and connections for pedestrians and bicyclists to community points of interest and destinations in the Able Canal corridor and within Lehigh Acres from Harns Marsh to Joel Boulevard.

Kisinger Campo & Associates Corp. was selected following competitive negotiation among seven proposals for the $900,000 design contract. This planned and budgeted project will be fully funded through Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Local Agency Program (LAP) and Regional Parks Impact Fees.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted April 20 to accept an interlocal agreement with the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District (LA-MSID) that authorizes Lee County to develop, operate and maintain the linear park along the northern side of Able Canal in Lehigh Acres.

The pathway has the potential to foster 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.

The property is owned by LA-MSID and the district will be closely involved in the design, permitting, construction and subsequent operation and maintenance of the park. The district will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure not associated with the linear park project.

For more information about Lee County Parks & Recreation locations, amenities and other special events, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275 or email leeparks@leegov.com.