Memorial benches being removed from Jaycee Park in Cape Coral

Reporter: Jolena Esperto Writer: Carolina Guzman
Published: Updated:

After years of discussions, the City of Cape Coral started to remove items from Jaycee Park as part of its ongoing improvements.

On Tuesday, the city removed trash cans, picnic tables, signs and memorial benches.

One man was concerned that the memorial for his wife and pet would be moved. He questioned why the city needed to change the benches.

“Just went to where my two benches were, one next to the other, one dedicated to my wife, one dedicated to my dog, Bo. Sat on him this morning with with my two other greyhounds. And unfortunately, they’re not there now, just barren patches that look actually like gravesites,” said Scott Kempe.

There were 18 memorial benches at the park, and nine will remain when the project is complete.  

Bench Options

Assistant City Manager Connie Barron provided WINK News with a list of options offered to bench and memorials owners.

Option 1. Leave the bench at Jaycee Park.

If your desire is for the memorial bench to remain at Jaycee Park, we will identify a location within Jaycee Park where the bench can be placed and remain thru the lifetime of the bench.

The City also created the “Serenity Walkway” within the park to provide a location where residents/visitors can sit and have moments of reflection.

Option 2. Relocate the bench to a different City park.

If your desire is to remove the bench from Jaycee Park and relocate it to another park in Cape Coral, the City will assist in this effort. Our Parks staff will coordinate with you and arrange for delivery of the bench to the preferred park.

Option 3. Relocate the bench to a residence/home.

If your desire is to remove the bench from Jaycee Park and relocate it to your home or another home in Cape Coral, the City will assist in this effort. Our Parks staff will coordinate with you and arrange for delivery of the bench to the address.

Option 4. Relocate the bench to a residence/home.

If your desire is to remove the bench from Jaycee Park on your own and relocate it to your home or another home in Cape Coral, our Parks staff will arrange a time for you to pick up the bench. If you choose this option, we will have you coordinate with our Parks staff to ensure the transfer is completed safely.

Pet Bench Options

Option 1. Relocate to Wagging Tails Dog Park.

The City’s preference is to relocate these pet benches to Wagging Tails Dog Park at Rotary Park on Rose Garden Road. This is a great location for these benches where other dogs are frolicking around the dog park. Even though the benches will be relocated, the City still intends to memorialize these nine pets within the Pet Plaza area of the park.

Option 2. Relocate the bench to a residence/home.

If your desire is to remove the bench from Jaycee Park and relocate it to your home or another home in Cape Coral, the City will assist in this effort. Our Parks staff will coordinate with you and arrange for delivery of the bench to the address.

Option 3. Relocate the bench to a residence/home.

If your desire is to remove the bench from Jaycee Park on your own and relocate it to your home or another home in Cape Coral, our Parks staff will arrange a time for you to pick up the bench. If you choose this option, please coordinate with our Parks staff to ensure the transfer is completed safely.

Rock with Plaque Options

If anyone has contact information for the memorials below, please contact Assistant County Manager Connie Barron at Cbarron@capecoral.gov.

  1. Helen Kotel (Rock w/Plaque)
  2. Meryl Ann Haag (Rock w/Plaque)
  3. Bill & Betty Matson (Rock w/Plaque)
  4. Allen Dancy (Rock w/Plaque)

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