Collier County Buys 2,247 Acres for Park, Housing, and Conservation

Collier County has secured a sweeping tract of land near Immokalee, purchasing 2,247 acres for $20.7 million in a move that could reshape growth in eastern Collier. County leaders envision a master-planned community blending park amenities, affordable housing, and protected wetlands—a project designed to meet the area’s rapid population growth while preserving its natural environment.

The land, known as the Williams Farm, lies just north of Lake Trafford. County officials originally sought only 150 acres for a park, but negotiations expanded the scope to the entire property, ensuring long-term flexibility for development and conservation. The purchase, approved earlier this year, marks one of the county’s largest public land acquisitions in decades.

Under preliminary plans, more than half the property will remain undeveloped as part of the Conservation Collier program, protecting wetlands and improving water quality flowing into Lake Trafford. Another portion will host a regional park with ball fields, trails, and recreational facilities. Roughly 400 acres are earmarked for affordable and workforce housing, with space reserved for infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and a potential fire station.

The county’s timeline calls for a phased approach. Environmental studies and public input sessions will shape the final layout, and construction of park amenities and housing will likely unfold over several years. Funding for infrastructure and water-quality restoration will also determine how quickly each phase proceeds.

The project arrives as Collier faces pressing challenges: surging demand for affordable housing, limited public recreation space, and increasing pressure on wetlands. By securing a single, contiguous tract, officials hope to balance growth with environmental stewardship—a strategy that could become a model for future development in Southwest Florida.