Resident donates nearly $500K for downtown Fort Myers park

Fort Myers resident Debora Gillen has donated nearly $500,000 to a city agency to help with the construction of a park.

The gift, of $431,732, will be used to construct a Common Ground Pocket Park in the downtown redevelopment area, according to a statement. The donation, the release adds, will be instrumental in transforming the vacant lot at 2208 First Street into a “vibrant public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.” 

The money will go into the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget of the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency.