Bonita Springs reviews parks CIP; FPL easement blocks permanent restrooms at Marnie Fields

Bonita Springs — At a city workshop, Parks & Recreation Director Paul Perino gave the City Council a project-by-project update on capital improvements across the park system and warned that a Florida Power & Light easement covering Marnie Fields prevents permanent structures there, complicating long-planned restroom and infrastructure work.

Perino told council members that the city had received written confirmation from FPL that "they do not permit any permanent structures in any part of their easement," including recently acquired property at Marnie Fields. That ruling, staff said, blocks the planned permanent restroom and leaves the city weighing interim trailer units, costly sewer hookups or asking FPL for a formal exception. Perino said the existing temporary trailer cost about $30,000 and that pump-outs drive operating costs; a permanent sewer and water hookup was estimated at roughly $250,000.

Why it matters: Marnie Fields serves youth sports and park users; without a permanent restroom, families and tournament organizers face logistical and accessibility challenges. Perino said staff would pursue formal outreach — including a drafted letter for the mayor’s signature and work through the city lobbyist — to seek a perimeter location or a written…