Causeway Islands Park reopened May 1 with its first phase of amenities, Lee County officials announced.

The beach park on Sanibel Causeway has been closed since it was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and was used during essential rebuilding activities for the Causeway by the Florida Department of Transportation.

With FDOT’s causeway restoration complete, Lee County Parks & Recreation resumed its redesign and improvement efforts. Phase one offers free on-site parking, portable restrooms and trash and recycling bins.

The county is in the design phase for phase two improvements. The $1.31 million design contract — approved in October 2024 — focuses on creating a more resilient park. Planned improvements include structured parking areas, restrooms on Islands A and B, beach access and ADA accommodations, outdoor showers, site drainage and irrigation systems, shade structures and landscaping.

The design phase is expected to be complete this summer and will be presented to the Lee Board of County Commissioners for approval, with construction expected to begin in late 2025 and completion anticipated in 2026.