It was a big day that could change the future of the Cape Coral area. Council members were set to discuss two significant items: Pickleball fees and Jaycee Park.
These plans have been a hot topic in Cape Coral as a lot of residents have shared their frustrations with the city's ideas.
The Lake Kennedy Racquet Center is set to open on Aug. 1. The center will bring 32 premium pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts to Cape Coral.
Taxpayer money helped build the facility, but a private company will manage it. In May, the company proposed membership fees as high as $540 for residents and more than $1,000 for couples.
Following feedback from the community, city council members asked the company to lower the cost. They changed the costs to $250 for residents and $500 for a family. Daily rates are $10 or you can pay $25 a month.
On Wednesday, the council voted to approve those fees, but with a caveat. They want a 20% discount off each annual membership in perpetuity to veterans and first responders who are Cape Coral residents. Also, founding members get 50% off their first year of membership if they sign up by Sept. 30, 2024.
The city also revealed an updated design to Jaycee Park.
The city said they listened to residents and made changes and the updated design plan for the park includes smaller bandshell, fewer restrooms, cutting down invasive trees, and planting new trees.
Officials said they got rid of the bar that so many residents were against and instead plan to have a walk-up bistro that will serve pizza.
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