Just weeks after generating significant buzz across Southwest Florida, plans for the proposed Oakes Landing entertainment venue at the former Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track site have been formally withdrawn.
The ambitious proposal, submitted by Oakes Farms, called for transforming the longtime vacant property into a large-scale entertainment destination featuring restaurants, bars, live music venues, recreational amenities, family activity areas, event spaces, and community gathering areas. The concept drew widespread attention for its similarities to the popular Seed to Table experience in Naples and its potential to dramatically reshape one of Bonita Springs’ most visible properties.
According to records filed with the City of Bonita Springs, the application has now been officially withdrawn before advancing through the city’s public approval process. The withdrawal comes after the project had previously been continued and delayed from its anticipated review schedule.
What This Means for the Property
At this time, it is unclear whether Oakes Farms intends to submit a revised proposal in the future or pursue a different vision for the site. The withdrawal simply means the current application is no longer under consideration by the city.
The former greyhound track remains one of the largest and most prominent redevelopment opportunities in Bonita Springs, and its future will likely continue to attract significant community interest. While Oakes Landing will not move forward in its current form, the property’s long-term redevelopment potential remains unchanged.
As always, we’ll continue following any future plans that emerge for the site and keep readers updated as new information becomes available.
A Major Redevelopment for a Landmark Bonita Springs Property
The former greyhound racetrack property has sat largely vacant since racing operations ended years ago. Several concepts have been discussed for the site over time, but Oakes Landing represents the most detailed and large-scale vision yet for the property.
Plans included in the application show the site being transformed into a walkable mixed-use entertainment campus centered around dining, recreation, live events, family activities, and outdoor gathering spaces.
The proposal includes multiple buildings and entertainment zones spread throughout the property, connected by pedestrian walkways, landscaped gathering areas, event spaces, and parking areas designed to support large crowds and year-round activity.
Oakes Landing Designed for Concerts, Festivals, and Community Events
According to the application documents, Oakes Landing is envisioned as a destination capable of hosting:
- Concerts
- Festivals
- Community events
- Farmers markets
- Seasonal celebrations
- Food-focused events
- Live music
- Outdoor entertainment
- Family activities
- Recreational gatherings
At the heart of the development is a large multi-use event space designed to accommodate performances and large gatherings.
Plans show the event area featuring:
- A large tented entertainment venue
- Raised deck and lounge seating
- A central performance stage
- Outdoor gathering lawns
- Bars and food/beverage service areas
- Speakeasy
- Country Bar
- Sports Bar
- Lounge
- Water features
- Cabana seating
- Wading pools
- Flexible open-air event space
- Playground
- Game Area
- Axe-throwing
- Darts
- arcade
- Fire Pit
The proposal emphasizes creating a lively, highly activated environment where visitors can move throughout the property between entertainment venues, restaurants, recreational spaces, and social gathering areas.
A Strong Focus on Family-Friendly Entertainment
While Oakes Landing is expected to include nightlife and large entertainment events, the plans also place a major emphasis on creating a destination for families and visitors of all ages.
The application describes the project as a “dynamic entertainment venue for residents and visitors of all ages” designed around recreation, social interaction, and walkability.
Plans include a supervised child-friendly area featuring:
- A playground
- Game zones
- Recreational activity spaces
- Picnic seating areas
- Trellis-covered walkways
- Concessions and dessert stands
Additional features including fire pits, interactive game areas, lounge seating, and gathering spaces are intended to create a relaxed social atmosphere for both adults and families.
The design also prioritizes safety and guest convenience, with plans showing:
- A centrally located first aid station
- Multiple emergency exits
- Rental and changing lockers
- Bicycle racks
- A designated guest drop-off area
- Backstage and loading facilities for performances and events
The proposal states that the layout is intended to create an efficient, safe, and accessible environment while integrating seamlessly with nearby existing uses including Sports Challenge America and the Poker Room.
The Site Plan and Layout
The proposed site plan for Oakes Landing includes several distinct entertainment and activity zones spread throughout the large property.
Plans show entertainment-focused buildings positioned around outdoor plazas, landscaped walkways, gathering lawns, water features, and event areas, creating a more pedestrian-oriented environment rather than a traditional shopping center layout.
The main building located toward the southern portion of the site is proposed to include:
- Kitchen facilities
- Office space
- Storage
- Restrooms
- Refrigeration and keg storage areas
- Food and beverage operational support spaces
The proposed parking layout includes approximately 416 parking spaces designed to accommodate major events while maintaining efficient traffic circulation throughout the property.
The application also notes that bicycle racks and pedestrian connections are intended to encourage alternative transportation and improve walkability throughout the site.
Wait- But What about Trackside Donuts?!
One important detail to note is that Bonita’s beloved Trackside Donuts does not actually appear to be part of the main Oakes Landing redevelopment parcel itself.
The donut shop, located at 28001 Old 41 Rd, sits on a separate commercial parcel at the highly visible corner of Bonita Beach Road and Old 41. Public commercial real estate records show the property was listed for sale on LoopNet in July 2024 as a 0.49-acre commercial site.
The listing described the property as being improved with an existing food facility building that is “currently leased through December 31, 2027,” suggesting the donut shop’s tenancy may already be secured for several more years.
The listing has since been removed and is no longer actively advertised, making it unclear whether the property sold, was taken off the market, or remains under private negotiations.
Because the parcel appears separate from the primary racetrack redevelopment site, the future of Trackside Donuts may not necessarily be directly tied to the Oakes Landing proposal itself — which could come as good news to longtime locals who consider the shop a Bonita Springs institution.
Oakes Farms Bringing the “Seed to Table” Experience to Bonita Springs
The involvement of Oakes Farms is likely to generate major attention across Southwest Florida.
The family-owned company operates Seed to Table in Naples, which has become one of the region’s best-known entertainment destinations thanks to its combination of restaurants, bars, grocery shopping, live music, events, and nightlife. Oakes also owns the popular farm-to-table restaurants, Food & Thought I & II!
The proposal appears aimed at creating not just a commercial development, but a true regional destination capable of hosting major events and drawing visitors from throughout Southwest Florida.
What Happens Next
The proposal is still in the review process and will need to go through city approvals before moving forward.
Given the size of the property and the scale of the proposed redevelopment, Oakes Landing is likely to become one of the biggest development conversations in Bonita Springs this year.
If approved, the project could dramatically reshape one of the city’s most visible corridors and create a new entertainment and event hub for Southwest Florida.
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Bad idea. Increased traffic and it will pull away from owner operator business that makes Bonita special. Too much political rhetoric associated with this business
This looks amazing but I can tell right now – more bathrooms are needed! Start building! We can’t wait!
Please keep us posted
Is another “entertainment district” what Bonita Springs really needs? How about some Bonita Beach Road traffic relief from end to end looked at before engaging on another traffic causing location.