Bonita Springs council unanimously approves new swings and water fountains for city parks

The Bonita Springs City Council voted unanimously to approve construction of new swings and water fountains at city parks, the council recorded during a meeting where local students and residents offered public comment in favor of the improvements.

City staff cautioned that the vote authorizes the project in principle but does not fund or finalize installations: staff said not all parks have water service and recommended a budget amendment, that the city solicit engineering drawings to determine feasibility, and that any procurement proceed through an open bid process.

Dozens of students from Bonita Springs Charter School attended the meeting and several gave public comments urging the council to add swings and water fountains. Residents also spoke in support. Mary Inkaso, a city staff member, told the council that because some parks lack water lines the city will need engineering projections and a budget amendment before installations can occur.

Council members debated the item briefly, then a motion was made and seconded to approve the construction project. The city clerk conducted a roll call; the mayor and each council member voted “Aye.” Mayor Mike Gibson then announced, “Motion carries.”

Staff told the council the next steps will include identifying which parks can support fountains, soliciting engineering proposals to provide cost and feasibility projections, and issuing an open solicitation for required work. The transcript did not specify a budget amount, a timeline for installations, or which department will lead the procurement.

The council did not adopt a specific construction contract or appropriation at the meeting; staff will return with project costs and procurement documents for follow-up action.