CAPE CORAL, Fla. — The City of Cape Coral is trying to get public input on big plans to renovate Jaycee Park.
The City of Cape Coral held a public forum Thursday at the Mercola Market for the proposed changes. It was an opportunity for residents to ask questions, vote on their favorite designs, and voice their concerns.
The proposed changes include a boat dock with finger piers, a band shell, new pavilions, additional walking paths in the park and along the shoreline, a food truck court, basketball and volleyball courts, and a new parking lot. Plans include adding 250+ trees but taking out the non-native ones right next to the river. Assistant city manager Connie Barron is spearheading the project.
“I’ve lived in Cape Coral for almost 26 years, and I have been to Jaycee Park on several occasions. When I would go to the park, I would always feel like something was lacking,” said Barron. “I completely think 100% that this park will be much more beautiful and will be a destination for not just the people who live around Jaycee Park but for the entire community. It will also attract visitors from across the river and up and down the river.”
However, many Cape Coral residents are not happy with these plans. Sally Troutman walks in the park every day.
“This is a neighborhood park. It needs to stay that way. If they want to upgrade it, let them put shade over the playgrounds. We don’t want food trucks. We don’t want a bar. We don’t want a concert area. We want our trees. We want to be able to walk and enjoy the river. We love it, and it’s active. There’s people in this park every day of the week,” said Troutman.
Barron said there will be more public input events. Residents also have a chance to cast their votes online until next Friday. Then the city will present their findings to the city council to the next Committee of the Whole meeting on Sept. 13.
If you’d like to vote on the designs, click here.
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