Cape Coral residents demand say in old golf course redevelopment plan

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—City leaders will hear from the community about the future of an old golf course, but neighbors say this isn't just about a park—it's about whether their voices will actually be heard.

For years, the land has sat still. Now neighbors hope to move their future forward.

"I am a golfer, so I would enjoy that," Blair said.

Joan, who lives next to the old golf course, walked WINK News reporter Paul Dolan through her backyard. She says the meeting matters because the land should serve the people who live around it.

"Maybe some like routes for bikes," Joan said.

Rene Lemieux says the city needs to listen to residents.

"What we say needs to be done," Lemieux said. "And we're talking about just not this neighborhood. We're talking about the City of Cape."

Neighbors told Dolan the biggest question isn't just what gets built—it's whether the city actually listens.

"A lot of things that happen in the city that people are not happy with, and the city decides to do whatever they want," Lemieux said.

Lemieux and her neighbors shared how the land can help the people living there. Blair talks about golf, Joan wants bike paths and space for families, and Lemieux imagines walkable paths and more life in the area.

Three different visions—but all rooted in the same idea: make it serve the community.

"Community all the way, not what the city wants, what the people want," Joan said.

"I hope they follow through with what the people want," Lemieux said.

While Lemieux says she's hopeful, Joan isn't as convinced city leaders will follow through.

"I would say maybe 25% chance," Joan said. "I think they're gonna do what they want to do."

Before any final design takes hold, neighbors say they want something simple: a future for the land that feels like it was built with them, not around them.