Journal 7 - DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

 Centennial Park

I learned some critical information about how Centennial Park is a green space and how it used to be a home for a fairly large collection of homeless individuals in the area who were forced to leave once a fence was put up around the park. The serene landscape definitely enhanced my engagement with the site as I was attracted to how it was both urban and peaceful. I chose to photograph the fountain/statues here as they seemed to stand out the most to me amongst all things present here. These statues serve as a reminder of history as they identify important figures that are a part of the history of this region. I also took a photo of the amphitheater, as it serves as a reminder of community identity, as it is often the home to many events that take place in the area.



(Matthew Magrone)
Detention Basin

Some critical information I learned is how the detention basin was created to treat stormwater runoff before it enters the Caloosahatchee River. I found that this site impacted me the most as I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and reflected on the fond memories I have of visiting this location for things like the New Year's Eve events or Independence Day events that are often hosted here, which have created fond memories for me. I took a photo of the fountain in the area as I found it very visually appealing. This detention basin serves as an effort of urban sustainability through the cleansing of stormwater runoff.

(Matthew Magrone)

Yacht Basin

At this location I learned about how the boating and fishing industries remain key economic drivers for southwest Florida which is why it is very important to manage the quality of our water. I took a picture of the water in this area as I found the serene view quite calming. Also, this area serves as another site of community identity as the downtown area is fairly well known for its aquatic views.
(Matthew Magrone)

City of Palms Park

I learned some critical information about how important green spaces are in the sense that they serve as an area for urban communities to connect with the natural environment. I took photos of some of the various types of palms from around the world, as I felt they showcased the biodiversity of the world very well. This area serves as an area of urban sustainability by enabling nature to be preserved in an urban area.
(Matthew Magrone)


Corner of Bay and Lee Street

Some critical information I learned at this stop was the fact that everything from here to the river has been filled in and built on for society's benefit, which really showcases the impact people can have on a region. I took a photo of the large tree at this location as I felt it was the most significant aspect of this location. This area serves as a reminder of historical memory as the land itself didn't always exist.
(Matthew Magrone)

Ft Myers Regional Library

Some critical information I learned here is the fact that this library is a LEED certified building which means it is an example of efforts made to move toward a sustainable society. I took a photo of some books that stood out to me as they serve a reminder that this location can be used to educate and entertain yourself away from the usual electronic devices we are used to. This location serves as an example of urban sustainability due to its certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED), which connects to both the green buildings and sustainable sites concepts we learned previously,
(Matthew Magrone)

Sidney and Burn Davis Art Center

Some critical information I learned here is the fact that the building has been repurposed, and what was once a post office is now an Art Center, which proves that even buildings can be repurposed and reused. I took a picture of the grand exterior of the building, as it served as a reminder of both historical memory and community identity, as this building has been around for a while and is a frequently visited location in the area for those who enjoy the artworks.
(Matthew Magrone)
Arcade Theater & McCrory Building

Some critical information I learned here was the fact that human-scale buildings are a key part of urban design as they facilitate a live, work, play approach to urban environments. I took a photo of one of the theater entrances, as they are one of the first things you see when you visit this location. This place serves as a reminder of community identity and historical memory as the old design reminds us of history and the theater is one of the frequently visited locations in the area.
(Matthew Magrone)

Alternative History Mural

Some significant information I learned here was how the Fort Myers area started off as a cow town that sustained itself utilizing the cattle industry. I took a photo of the mural here as I found it to be extremely eye-catching and an important reminder of our history. This site serves as a historical memory due to its portrayal of the history of the region.
(Matthew Magrone)
Caloosa Sound Convention Center

Some significant information I learned here was that cities were literally designed to be compact so they could be easily accessed using the most common form of travel at the time, walking. I took a photo of the sign at this location as I found it stood out to me due to the fact that it was a reminder of the location itself. This area serves as a reminder of community identity as it truly portrays the downtown Fort Myers area.
(Matthew Magrone)
Critical Reflections

The green spaces we saw challenged my assumptions of urban sustainability as I figured a lot more needed to be done to be considered a sustainability effort, especially when you consider the devastation to the environment a city can cause, but it reminded me of the importance of starting small. I only had one wow moment, and it was as I looked at the mural, I reflected on all the history that took place in the southwest Florida area, and all it has taken to be able to live the lives we know today. This moment required a lot of work from policy makers to ensure equality, city planners to ensure equal opportunity, and community members to ensure fair treatment to ensure that we shape an equitable and resilient urban space and society as a whole.

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