Extensive Repairs Needed at Winterberry Park

As Marco Islanders get their households in order, thoughts turn to resuming favorite recreational activities. However, Hurricane Irma wasn’t very kind to the Parks and Recreation Department, which encompasses 60 acres of land. In fact, the popular Winterberry Park, which is home to senior softball, Marco Island Academy football, and U 10 football, was hit the hardest.

“We started with the parks with the least amount of work needed to reopen. We wanted to be able to offer something for the kids and adults,” explains Martha Montgomery, Supervisor of Parks and Recreation. “Winterberry Park has extensive damage, including lights and irrigation, which must be addressed before the park is fully operational. We will be opening the park in stages, as soon as it’s safe. It will be open during the day first and when the lights work, we can have night games again.”

Other damages to Winterberry Park include: batting cages and equipment, park benches, bleachers, dugout roof, fence, small shed, goal nets, Thor lightning predictor, and Winterberry Park signs. All of these were damaged in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

“Our guys are chomping at the bit to play, but I’ve told them it’s a safety issue right now,” remarks Bill Shurina of the Senior Softball League.

For more information visit: www.cityofmarcoisland.com.