Downtown Splash Pad Takes Shape Around Historic Banyan

Bonita Springs, FL · September 26, 2026

The overcast morning makes an easy case for a second cup of coffee before heading out to the weekend fall festivities.

The Lead

Crews from Wright Construction Group are making steady progress on the new interactive splash pad and public pavilion at Banyan Tree Square on Old 41 Road. The city-funded project, designed to complement the ongoing Phase 2 renovations across the street at Riverside Park, is transforming the once-empty corner lot into a family gathering hub anchored by the site’s towering namesake banyan tree. Underground utility piping and water feature footings are now set, alongside foundations for permanent public restrooms and shaded seating pavilions. For downtown shops and eateries along the corridor, the addition promises sustained daytime foot traffic once the ribbon is cut. City officials expect construction to wrap by early winter, setting up a formal opening ahead of the busy holiday event schedule.

Local Pulse

Pine Ridge Road Shuts Under Interstate 75 Roads Weekend crews are mounting overhead structures for an interchange rebuild, forcing drivers to detour through Monday morning.
City Issues Warning on Permit Scam Safety Officials urge residents and contractors to ignore fraudulent emails demanding wire payments for city building permits.
Parks Master Plan Sets 15-Year Vision Parks City leaders approved a comprehensive roadmap outlining new neighborhood park expansions, multi-use trail connections, and river access.

Today's Outlook

High 84°F · Low 69°F — Overcast
- Expect comfortable, cloud-covered skies all day, perfect for spending the afternoon outside.

What's On Around Town

Today

Flamingo Island Flea Market Flamingo Island Flea Market (11902 Bonita Beach Rd SE), 8:00 AM–4:00 PM · Free Browse hundreds of indoor and open-air booths offering local treasures.
Farmer Mike's Fall Festival Farmer Mike's U-Pick (26031 Morton Ave), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Paid Explore the family corn maze, pick pumpkins, and ride hay wagons.
End of Summer Bash Planet 13 (26251 S Tamiami Trl), Noon–4:00 PM · Free Local artisan vendors, visiting food trucks, and live afternoon music.
Rock Tribute Double Feature The Stage Bonita (9144 Bonita Beach Rd SE), 7:00 PM · Paid High-energy live sets honoring Collective Soul and Creed favorites.

Tomorrow

Orange Party Wellness Gathering Sugarshack Downtown (27421 Old 41 Rd), 9:00 AM–Noon
Magic of Sourdough Workshop Sweet Revenge Cooking School (9174 Bonita Beach Rd SE), 10:00 AM–12:30 PM · $90
Sunday Sunset Live Music Rooftop at Riverside (27333 Old 41 Rd), 5:00 PM · Free

Monday

Monday Reset Sound Bath Shangri-La Springs (27750 Old 41 Rd), 5:00–6:15 PM · $50

Spotlight & Story

Benson's Grocery
- Tucked along Old 41 Road since Clomer Benson converted the site into a neighborhood general store, this downtown grocer thrives under owners Harshil and Anjana Patel. Locals still stop by on bicycles for daily house-ground beef and hand-cut steaks from the in-store butcher.

Bonita Springs Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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