May 19, 2022

By Adam Regan

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County purchased the former Fort Myers Event Center and plans to transform the space into a flagship club for children and teens in Fort Myers. The organization launched a $2.5 million fundraising campaign to pay for the purchase and renovations of the Park Meadows Club. Located on 2.2 acres at 1900 Park Meadows Drive in Fort Myers, the interior of the 14,500-square-foot building, which also has been home to the Fort Myers Elks Lodge, was recently updated and includes open ballroom spaces, a reception area, offices, a conference room, kitchen and pantry. The Boys & Girls Clubs will renovate the interior to include enclosed activity centers, a tech center, a gaming room, a central member hub and seating pods. An outdoor patio will be enclosed to create a teen center that provides a separate space for older members. Site plans also include the construction of a covered sports pavilion and the installation of a multipurpose sports field to expand athletic opportunities for members. Once completed, the Park Meadows Club will accommodate up to 600 members annually. It will remain operational as renovations are completed in phases during the next 18 to 24 months.