Cape Coral City Council approves renovations for Jaycee Park

The Cape Coral City Council has approved renovations to Jaycee Park in a 6-2 vote.

It has been an ongoing saga, full of controversy for the people living in Cape Coral with many voicing their desire to keep the park the way it is.

Councilmember Richard Carr was one of the two, “no’s.”

Councilmembers, Dan Sheppard, Bill Steinke and Mayor John Gunter were three of the “yes’s.”

With each yes a Jaycee Park patron left the room.

At the meeting, there were people who were for and against the changes. Some applauded the accessibility these changes would offer, while a majority want it to stay the same.

Gunter said Jaycee Park is the people’s park.

“This project here will benefit the residents of our community for 10, 20, 30 years from now,” said Gunter.

The Cape Coral City Council voted to move forward with the agreement with Fortress Secured LLC. There were not many public comments about the park improvements.

The updated price tag for the project is between $16 million and $18 million.

This is up from the $12 million figure which was estimated when the concept was being developed and the park’s design had not begun.

Kristina Amato attended the City Council meeting, and she approved of the renovation.

“I’m just excited that the city is really putting in planning and money for the citizens, for young families,” said Amato. “To be able to get together with my friends and have our kids be entertained without screens, without hushing them in restaurants, and be able to meet and play all in one space and gather with other moms for support that we need.”

For over a year, Tony Karp has spoken out during public comment for the park.

“They’re like, yeah, we listen to you, but you don’t,” said Karp. “If you did, we won’t be making a decision yet. We would be going with the plan B, with restoration, renovation, revitalization.”

The city plans to add splash pads, boat docks, food trucks and a boardwalk. The city will also remove the invasive trees.

Some updates have been made to the final plan, stemming from the last public hearing on Jaycee Park.

These changes include:

• A wet-zone for selling and drinking alcohol
• A reduction in the number of food trucks
• Elements to make the park more pet, family and ADA friendly.

The park hours will now be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. along with special hours for holidays and events.