Online petition wants to stop Tropicana Park plans from moving ahead

The future of Tropicana Park in Cape Coral is in a state of flux.

Neighbors have initiated an online petition. They are upset that two clubs will be built on the land at Tropicana Park. Also, the use of large kayaks by these clubs in the water, which neighbors said makes it tough for others to enjoy. These neighbors claimed never to have been informed of the plan.

Carolyn Jones was initially ecstatic about the plans for Tropicana Park.

“Nice walking paths, pavilions, grills so we could have family and friends,” Jones said. “It was fabulous.”

But, she said, those plans have changed. Now, Jones and other neighbors are fired up.

“They did do public input and not on any of them does it have two 17,034 sq ft pieces of land with two 15,000 sq ft storage warehouses for canoes and kayaks,” Jones said. “Nowhere on there.”

She and others are not happy about two rowing and canoe kayak storage areas, which the city could lease to the Rowing Club and the South Florida Canoe Kayak Club.

“There’s narrow channels and shallow areas and the tide moves very quickly so huge, huge safety concerns,” said John Bashaw, a Cape Coral resident. “I don’t want to see anyone get hurt.”

A spokesperson for Cape Coral told WINK News:

“In August a lease agreement between the city and the South Florida Canoe Kayak Club for the use of city property near Sunsplash waterpark was terminated, and City Council instructed staff to find a new location for the club.  The use of Tropicana Park is being considered for the club, however, a lease agreement requires Council approval.  Anyone who supports or opposes this lease is encouraged to provide input at the appropriate meeting when the lease is presented to Council for approval.”

Neighbors said they will make their position clear when the council considers the issues.

“Do it the right way,” Bashaw said. “Do it with public input.”