Gilchrist Park is back open after a community-wide cleanup in Punta Gorda, a testament to resilience and unity among locals. After a recent tumultuous weather event left its mark on this cherished green space, the community rallied together, eager to restore both the beauty and spirit of the park.
Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price’s report of the cleanup:
Gilchrist Park is back open after a community-wide cleanup in Punta Gorda.
More than 200 volunteers, armed with rakes and determination, sought to transform the park back into a welcoming space. They arrived early, energized, ready to tackle the heaps of leaves and scattered debris. As twilight surrendered to dawn, eager families reentered the park, relishing the fresh air, walking dogs, and savoring views that had been absent for too long.
In light of the significant damage sustained, many community members jumped at the opportunity when the Punta Gorda Police Department called for assistance. “We want to get them back here in the park,” shared Lt. Justin Davoult, articulating a shared longing for restoration. The collaboration involved not just local efforts; it drew in state resources and third-party companies to help remove the remnants of chaos, including nine sailboats that had become stranded amidst the turmoil.
Newly appointed councilperson-elect, Janis Denton, fully engaged in the effort, chose a specific area of the park to spearhead her work. Her commitment encapsulated the spirit of the day; her actions echoed the collective hope of residents.
A group of dedicated individuals focused their efforts on cleaning up the tennis and pickleball courts, spaces vital for community recreation. “I want to clean up the dinghy dog area,” Denton expressed, her concerns underscoring a deeper connection to the park. “There’s a lot of garbage that blew in from the boat club, including mattresses and TVs. We want to sweep up the pickleball courts and tidy it up.” This spirit of stewardship wasn’t just about physical cleanup; it represented a desire to restore a sense of community.
While the park has reopened, certain areas, like the bathroom and gazebo, remain cordoned off. The park now welcomes visitors only from dusk to dawn, given the lack of operational lights—a subtle reminder that recovery is still underway.
“There’s still some cleanup that has to be done,” stated Davoult with a sense of determination. He mentioned the ongoing needs at Ponce de Leon Park, inviting further community involvement. “We’re probably going to do another push for that when we’re ready for it.”
For those wishing to lend a hand, the Punta Gorda Police Department remains open to more volunteers. After all, the revitalization of Gilchrist Park isn’t just about clearing debris; it’s about nurturing the bonds that strengthen the community.
