Estero entertainment center to begin construction with pickleball, golf improvements  

Construction is set to begin this month on the High 5 recreation center in Estero’s Entertainment District after officials approved an estimated $650,000 to improve the building’s facade and its pickleball and golf facilities.  

Village of Estero and Texas-based developer High Five Up Top LLC will split the cost in accordance with their public-private partnership on the more than $12 million development approved in May 2024.  

High Five LLC plans to convert six of its 21 planned pickleball courts into indoor facilities and cover most of the outdoor courts. The company also intends to expand its miniature golf course beyond the originally planned 18 holes. In documents to Estero staff, High Five said the changes would boost revenue and better accommodate corporate groups, nonprofit events and public use. 

High Five’s initial marketing reports show “extraordinarily strong” demand for pickleball at the facility. 

“They’re the experts,” council member Jon McLain said. “I hope they make a lot of money on it because we’re going to share in that.” 

Estero’s Planning, Design and Review Board also sought changes to heighten the building’s architectural distinction and reflect Estero’s identity.  

Finally, the Oct. 1 amendment to the original agreement allows High Five to undergo a phased building permit process so it can begin construction in the next few weeks while working on the proposed additions. Estero staff will review and approve any changes.  

A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively set for 3 p.m. Nov. 14 with the High 5 facility opening in September 2026.  

Under the agreement set last year, Estero will receive payments equivalent to 40% of High 5’s net income. In exchange, Estero invested in the land, site development and other entertainment-related amenities, including $5 million for pickleball facilities and $1.25 million toward an 18-hole mini golf course. 

With Estero’s baseline return of 8%, proceeds will be reinvested into the operation and management of the larger 100-acre Sports and Entertainment Park property that High 5 will anchor. 

“We’re creating public-private partnerships in order to lessen our cost of maintenance for our park system on a long-term basis,” Village Manager Steve Sarkozy said.  

The park is on the north side of Williams Road, east of via Coconut Point. Estero is leasing 55 acres of that land from the Lee County School District, purchased 25 acres from Lee County and about 20 additional acres from property owners. A master plan calls for multi-use fields, softball and baseball fields, a food truck area, football stadium and parking. However, gambling services are prohibited on the property.  

The planned 40,000-square foot, two-story High 5 recreation hall also will include an indoor-outdoor family entertainment center, a mezzanine and bar, bowling, arcade games, axe throwing, laser tag, social gathering space and other amenities.