The updated design for changes to Jaycee Park was shown at Cape Coral's city council meeting Wednesday night.
As with most discussions about Jaycee Park's changes , a heated debate ensued between residents and city officials.
"For 15 months we have been at meeting after meeting saying the same thing over and over," Kathe Lopez, a Cape Coral resident, said.
"Save Jaycee Park" was the phrase that residents like Lopez echoed throughout Wednesday night's meeting.
The city released its final design for the park. One part of the design plan is cutting down the invasive Australian pine trees and planting new ones.
Other design plans include a smaller bandshell, fewer restrooms, a splash pad, and getting rid of a sit-down bar for a walk-up bistro.
"So there will be the concession area. And then the three food trucks on either side or three pads on either side," Stephen Soloway, P3 Project, said. "And then on the inside of that, that should be the picnic table area."
It's a public-private partnership that Stephen Soloway brought to the City of Cape Coral. He said he's giving the money toward the construction of the concession area.
The Cape Coral City Council will be meeting again on Aug. 7 to make a final decision.
The city council also had another big item on the agenda. Council members approved the fees for the pickleball courts at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center .
In May, the private company managing the center 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.
The council approved those fees; however, they want a 20% discount off each annual membership in perpetuity for 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 center will bring 32 premium pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts. It's set to open on Aug. 1.