Cape Coral discusses Jaycee Park's new food truck court agreement

Cape Coral's Jaycee Park is undergoing significant renovations, sparking both excitement and controversy among local residents. The park, located on Southeast 20th Place, has been closed for over a year as improvements progress.

City leaders are set to discuss the park's development as it nears its reopening. The renovations include the installation of a bistro, picnic areas and fitness stations.

Aerial footage of the park shows the progress being made, including a new playground and green spaces. A notable addition is the concession area and food truck court, which will be discussed during a city meeting.

The city is negotiating an agreement with Kearns Restaurant Holdings for exclusive rights to manage and operate the concession area. The agreement would last for 20 years, with a 10-year renewal option, and includes a payment of more than $1 million plus interest to the city.

Rick Perry, a neighbor, expressed his support, saying, "I think that they need to realize that this is for everybody, so the person living inland five miles has just as much right to come here and use the park."

Cheryl Vandevoord, another neighbor, shared her concerns.

"I just like quiet and being able to reflect. I can take my grandkids to the park now, and I just don't know where else I could go to have that quietness," she said.

The agreement is still in discussion and will be formally voted on in a future council meeting. Jaycee Park is scheduled to reopen in April.

This isn't the first collaboration between the city and Kearns Restaurant Holdings. Zak Kearns, who owns the former Boathouse Restaurant near the Cape Coral Yacht Club, leads the company. If approved, this will be another joint project.