On the banks of the Caloosahatchee River is Riverside Community Center, located east of downtown at 3061 East Riverside Drive, the newest community center built for the citizens and visitors of Fort Myers and Lee County.
Dedicated in 2000, Riverside boasts a waterfront ballroom able to accommodate up 190 guests and features a full stage with theatrical lighting. What’s more, the facility offers a full catering kitchen, meeting room, woodshop, and pottery room.
Adjacent to the community center is Riverside Park, featuring a playground, large covered picnic areas, nature trails, a small canoe/kayak pier, fishing pier, and a replica lighthouse. In addition, numerous native plants and various animal species can be viewed from the shoreline.
Riverside Community Center is located east of downtown at 3061 East Riverside Drive.
For general information about regularly scheduled events, please see the link below for class, club, and activity meeting dates and times.
Specific information about community events or the rental of Riverside Community Center can be obtained by contacting the Recreation Division at (239) 321-7524 or emailing recreation@cityftmyers.com.
Activity Dates & Times Listing
Clogging Classes - Join the Orange Blossom Clogging School on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm at the Riverside Community Center for a great family activity. Clogging is a traditional type of percussive folk dance. All skill levels are welcome.
Club Country Line Dance- Club Country meets every Friday at the Riverside Community Center. There is always a lesson at 7pm. Instructors introduce either a partner dance or line dance. The lessons are often followed by a review of a lesson that was taught recently. There is "open dancing" until 10pm.
Coin Club– Third Thursday of the month (seasonal) at 7:00 pm at the Riverside Community Center. Learn more about collecting and trading coins
Crowning Daughters for Success - Wednesday evenings at 5:00 pm at the Riverside Community Center. This enrichment program for girls ages 6 and older that will help youth and adults learn all social graces from walking to a formal sit down dinner. An Etiquette/Modeling course will give that “plus” the necessary tools to walk in confidence without compromise.
Harp & Thistle Pipe Band - Join this award-winning band on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm at the Riverside Community Center. Open rehearsal of traditional Scottish bagpipe and drum group. Various levels of skill. Instruction available.
Hibiscus Society - One Sunday a month at 1:00 pm at the Riverside Community Center. One of the larger specialized plant societies is to encourage and promote the development and improvement of hibiscus and to collect, record and pass on information concerning hibiscus.
Karate - Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm at the Riverside Community Center. This style of Karate originated in China and is taught in its traditional form of practical movements of self-defense and cultural knowledge that makes learning the martial arts so interesting. Open to all ages and skill levels.
Kendo (Japanese Fencing) & Laido - Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm Kendo was brought to southwest Florida by Joe “Hanokami” Bass. Derived from ancient samurai techniques, the style of Kendo allowed the samurai to hone his skills as a warrior without the mortal danger. Where Kendo focuses on the sport of the sword, Laido focuses on the art of the sword. It balances the intense aggressive style of Kendo with its philosophy and poetic motion.
Party Bridge - Friday morning at 11:00 am A friendly game of Party Bridge, no partner needed all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Radio Club - Last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Riverside Community Center. Quickly becoming America’s favorite pastime, the Ham Radio Operators meet to share information and experience. Along with providing invaluable public service during hurricane season and natural disasters, it offers a unique hobby for all ages!
Senior Exercise Class - Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 10:00 am at the Riverside Community Center. Open to all Seniors this low impact exercise class offers a great way to “stay active”!
Square Dancing - Wednesdays at 2:00 pm (seasonal) at the Riverside Community Center. Challenge Level Dancing for the experienced square dancers. All ages are welcome.
Wild Pottery - Thursday & Friday evenings at 7:00 pm at the Riverside Community Center. Have you ever wanted to learn how to “throw” a pot or make sculpture from clay? This class explores the possibilities. Instructor Joel Loeper will guide you through the process. For beginner to intermediate level students. Focus is on hand building and slab techniques
Woodturners of SWFL - 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Riverside Community Center. Meetings are held monthly in the woodshop. A demo follows business discussion. Classes are held for various skill levels, adults and kids.