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.
Gillen, according to the CRA, has inspired and championed the idea of a pocket park on First Street downtown. Gillen has donated money to the agency before, including $500,000 in 2022 to contribute to a $2.3 million floating pier project, according to previous CRA meeting memos.
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