<\/p>\n
The city of Fort Myers recently celebrated the grand reopening of Roberto Clemente Park.<\/p>\n
State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, Fort Myers elected officials and members from the Lee County Black History Society celebrated the momentous occasion. <\/p>\n
Rep. Persons-Mulicka led the efforts to secure funding for the project on the state level and made sure the project came together.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is absolutely incredible. It\u2019s a huge day for our community. It\u2019s been a couple years coming, it takes time to plan and build something that truly represents the community vision. But I\u2019m so excited to see the playground open for our kiddos,” said Persons-Mulicka.<\/p>\n
The grand reopening of the park follows extensive renovations that include the new playground. The 21-foot playground slide is the tallest in Southwest Florida.<\/p>\n
Funding sources for the park upgrades include $1,375,000 in city capital improvement funds and a $1 million state grant with the support of Persons-Mulicka.<\/p>\n
For 6-year-old Genesis the playground offered a lot of wonder and excitement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s amazing.\u201d Her favorite part were the swings.<\/p>\n
Autumn Watkins-Holloway was the visionary and a driving force to make this wonderland of fun a reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means hope, it means inspiration, it means there is so much more to come,” said Watkins-Holloway.<\/p>\n
Shallen Rivera is the artist for the playground and shares her vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was very very important to included faces so that the children that do come to the park and parents that come to the park have an idea of who has contributed to this community,” Rivera said.<\/p>\n
Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson said there\u2019s more to come for Clemente Park, such as a new amphitheater and the Black Cultural Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s on going\u2026 today is not the end of what\u2019s happening here at Clemente Park. Hopefully that sends a strong message to the community that we do value them,” the mayor said.<\/p>\n
For 8-year-old Bella, it\u2019s all about one simple things in life \u2026 playtime.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love it so much and it\u2019s so fun. It\u2019s the biggest park I ever went to. And has the biggest slide that me and my family ever went to.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The joy, laughter and smiles on the children\u2019s face is a testimony to a job well done.<\/p>\n