Cape Coral City Council approves Jaycee Park design concept by 7 to 1 vote

Author: HALEY ZARCONE Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
Jaycee
Jaycee Park in Cape Coral is up for a makeover. (CREDIT: WINK News)

The future of a beloved park faced its first hurdle Wednesday night but was nevertheless approved by Cape Coral City Council in a 7 to 1 vote.

Cape Coral City Council heard from more than 15 people during the meeting, all of whom were against the design concept. Despite that, the council voted to move forward with the design plans.

Since the proposed plans for Jaycee Park were shown to the public, people have staunchly rallied against it. While locals are passionate and vocal about not changing Jaycee Park, the Cape Coral City Council seems to have other plans.

Locals WINK News spoke to said they plan to go to every meeting to keep Jaycee Park the peaceful place it is for them. Others said they gave up going and are frustrated because they feel the city council doesn’t listen to the city’s people.

But soon, we’ll see if that’s true, with the council expected to vote on the first portion of the improvement plan.

“I hear they want to tear down all the trees and build boat docks,” said local resident James Deane.

The proposed changes divide park-goers and what they want to see done.

“For that being a meeting area, would like to see some larger pavilions in the parks that can maybe hold 10-15 people,” said city council member Robert M. Welsch.

Although people do have ideas of what to add or change.

“Maybe add more, two more pavilions. Some more water fountains,” said Deane.

But some changes aren’t seen so fondly.

“Bar in the park. That’s unheard of and unnecessary,” said Denise Stefan.

Deane is one of the many people who came to Jaycee Park to escape the bar scene. When WINK News told him they were talking about adding one there, he had a short but clear opinion.

“No, no, no,” said Deane.

His Alcoholics Anonymous groups meet there every week.

“That makes me sick to my stomach, the bar part anyway,” said Deane.

“Wake up, City of Cape Coral. Listen to your people. Yeah, that’s my request,” said Stefan.

There will be a public open house at 30 percent completion of the design phase. The next vote will be to hire a contractor.

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