Punta Gorda planners seek public input on Bayfront options at Gilchrist Park

Punta Gorda City urban designers presented several redevelopment options for the Bayfront site at Gilchrist Park and asked residents for input during an April 22 community meeting at the Lashley Community Room.

Carl Benge, principal planner for the urban design department, told the meeting that staff wanted “to get, kinda a feel for what you guys want, what the board wants, and perhaps what the public would like so that we can move forward.” The meeting reviewed a 2019 feasibility study and several new ideas from staff and residents, and concluded with staff agreeing to develop conceptual designs for further review; no formal decision or vote was taken.

The meeting centered on the former Bayfront Center site west of Gilchrist Park, a building that was demolished after recent storms. Benge summarized a February 2019 Gilchrist Park Activity Center feasibility analysis that presented three broad approaches: incremental improvements to existing facilities, a landscape-focused revitalization that reduces impervious surface and creates event space, or full new construction. The study’s 2019 cost estimates — presented to the meeting as historic reference points — showed a modest new-build option at about $2.1 million–$2.3 million for roughly 16,000 square feet and a larger option at about $4.2 million–$4.4 million for roughly 19,000 square feet; Benge cautioned that construction costs have risen since 2019 and those numbers are no longer current.

On funding and scope, staff said about $122,000 has already been spent from insurance funds on the site, approximately $1,170,000 in insurance funds remain, and an original budget line of $343,000 is still available. Staff noted FEMA funding “could possibly be available” but that would require additional investigation.

Residents and local program leaders offered ideas for reuse. Tom Cavanaugh, who identified himself as associated with the Learn to Sail program, said the sailing program has continued to operate despite losing the building and asked the city for an enclosed, landscaped storage area to keep additional boats and equipment off floating platforms so classes can continue. Several speakers proposed multi-use features such as an amphitheater or outdoor classroom, rentable outdoor event space for weddings, and food-truck service.

A recurring suggestion was a large tiki-structure on the existing slab. Resident Wendy Miller described a roughly 8,000-square-foot tiki hut and gave an estimated cost range of about $480,000 to $800,000 depending on materials. Miller and other residents discussed synthetic thatch as a longer‑lasting option and noted permitting and vendor availability would be required.

Scott Tahanski, who described himself as a business owner of Board Safe Docks, Structures H2O and Hive Paddle Sports, proposed unstaffed kayak- and paddleboard-rental kiosks and adaptive kayak launches to expand public water access. Tahanski said his firms have worked with municipal clients on docks and floating structures and suggested self‑service rental kiosks could generate revenue and increase year‑round access without continuous staffing.

Gary Skillicorn urged the city to consider more public water‑access opportunities such as kayak rentals and suggested resurrecting community music gatherings that previously drew large crowds to Gilchrist Park. Other residents urged “sponge city” stormwater approaches such as rain gardens and micro-forests to reduce flooding.

At the end of the session, Benge said urban design staff would prepare conceptual mock-ups that incorporate the meeting ideas and would coordinate internally with procurement before any vendor meetings, noting the city must avoid actions that could jeopardize a fair procurement process. No motion, formal referral or vote occurred at the meeting.

City staff said they will return to the public with further conceptual designs and additional information about potential funding sources and permitting requirements.