Estero Community Park

I have been coming here for indoor pickleball since the beginning of the new year and its very well run. There seems to be players of a wide range of skill level here and a lady volunteers here to match you in games with others at the same skill level. The locker room and showers are clean and well maintained. Can’t beat the membership fee (without weight room) which is only $ 10 lifetime for individual and $ 25 for family. Just be aware that if you come on a rainy day, the courts will be swarming with retirees and snowbirds.

Clean and well-​run. Go on-​line to check their extensive listings of classes. Their yearly gym membership is ridiculously inexpensive (super-​busy in season and you may need to wait to get on the equipment) and their dog parks (one for larger breeds, one for smaller) are clean and well-​kept. They have a track if your looking to run. Have enjoyed the playground, volleyball court and their cabana facilities for the occasional outing. The Estero Historical society is located in one of the historical houses on the property and if your their you may want to pick up a bottle of their famous mango chutney. Delish!

Really nice park. Clean. They have restrooms. Door lock sucks though. Yeah I just videos for yall because words are too much.

As a resident who is centralized between this park and the others in Fort Myers, Estero’s is the best. My dog and I are regulars at this location and have been for almost a year now. The county did a great job a few months back (August?) by renovating both sides (small/​puppy/​shy dogs and big dogs). Notices posted on gates (there’s three by the way to each side so dogs don’t get loose) telling patrons to make sure their dog does not dig holes, so the park rangers try to keep the park safe and maintained for all. What’s great is that this park has lots of trees for shade, and the big dog park has a small pavilion. Dogs who attend this part for the most part all seem friendly as well (with a couple exceptions that I know of as a regular, but thats everywhere).

The rec center itself which I am a member of has the rudest most ignorant people working for them. I get there to play basketball some evenings a few minutes earlier then the «calendar» states. The court at this time is vacant (no one on it) yet the ladies behind the desk are as ignorant to not allow us to play. Maybe they’re paid too little, maybe they hate their lives or job. Regardless they should be paid nothing for the lack of work they actually do.
Granted I only paid a one time 10 $ fee but that shouldn’t justify how I get to be treated by the help there.

PICKLES ANYONE?
My Dad drags me to play Pickle Ball every time I come and visit him in Southern Florida. Years ago I had no idea what Pickle Ball was! Are we playing catch with a spicy kosher dill? I hope not?
It’s a cross between ping pong, tennis, whiffle ball and racquet ball. Who invented this game? And how drunk was that person?
The average age of the players is probably 70. So when I walk in, most people say, «First time?» Or «Who wants the new guy?» It is so sad to be picked last on a team just because you are 30 years younger then anyone else. They have no idea I’ve got some skills. Plus I hold back a lot too.
I will tell you on my most recent visit this week I heard some great conversations.
One guy asked another guy, «Is that your second wife?» Guy #2, «How do you know?» Guy #1, «Because she is really young and pretty!» What? Is this really appropriate Pickle Ball talk. I think this was an intimidation move. He might have been trying to get under his skin. Like Jordan on the basketball court.
I did receive a nice compliment from one of the ladies, she said, «Are you still in college?» I said, «No but thanks! I graduated 20 years ago!» She then said, «You look great!» Nice or maybe she was using some Jordan tactics on me? Hmm!
All I know is that I may be the new guy but I can bring the pickles. I ended up playing for 3 hours and my recorded ended up being 6 wins and 2 losses. Not bad for the new guy!
The game consists of using a paddle to hit a whiffle ball over a net. Teams consist of two people. Everyone tries to mix up the teams so we don’t all end playing the same people.
My last game of the day I played with Dave. We were down 2 to Nothing and Dave looked at me and said, «I just want one win today! I’ve got both knees replaced and I want to win one!» So I looked over and said, «Dave this one is for you!» We then turned it up a notch and rattled off 11 unanswered points. Dave got his win — 11 to 2 and he walked away a happy man! Be warned you do not want to see my «A» Pickle Ball Game cause the New Guy has some moves.
This facility offers more then Pickle Ball. There are several other sports and activities. I would call or check the website for a list of activities. There is also a gym her too. I join a few years ago. It was only $ 25 for the month. It was great to go for a run and not in the hot Florida sun.
So catch the Pickle Ball Craze, these players are serious. You better bring it when you take the court!

We’re regular users of the dog park here; it’s divided into 2 sides (one side for small/​shy dogs, and one side for larger dogs, and small dogs that think they’re large dogs). There’s a dog-​washing station outside the dog area, a dog-​usable water fountain inside the fence, and a very nice double-​airlock system to get in (outside leads to a fenced area, which leads to another fenced area, which leads to the dog park). It’s well-​designed, large, and clean; that’s a testament to the pride that the regulars take in «their» park.

Thank You Lee County for becoming Dog Friendly. Collier county, please catch up!
Great crowd. Everyone regulates their dogs behavior and clean up.
Looking forward to becoming regulars…