Cape Coral residents weigh in on 2 park concepts for old course

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—Two design concepts for a former golf course are drawing mixed reactions from nearby residents who are excited about new amenities but concerned about noise and wildlife impacts.

The plans bring mixed emotions to people like Chelle Doll, who lives at Banyan Trace right next to the course. Doll says she likes some ideas but worries about what some features, like a proposed amphitheater in both concepts, could mean for the wildlife.

"It's kind of pointed right at our area, so I worry a little bit about that, but more so I'm worried about what that noise is going to do to the wildlife that's there," Doll said.

Others who live nearby say they're excited. Jim Quintenz says he is all for the shaded areas and gathering spots shown in both concepts.

"I think it's wonderful. It's going to be out there, and it's going to be good for everybody in the city, especially for well, there's probably several 1,000 people that live on it," Quintenz said.

The city says both designs were built using community feedback. Concept A, called Anchor, focuses on a central hub of amenities while Concept B, called Drift, spreads features across the property to keep more of a natural feel.

Both are working with 175 acres of land, or about 130 football fields. Parks and Recreation Director Joe Petrella says residents want hiking paths, walking paths, biking paths, dog parks and more open botanical garden and open space.

"I think this plan really shows that these two plans do show it," Petrella said.

Before anything moves forward, there's a major issue: stormwater. City leaders say the property could act as part of a flood control solution, which is why the design process will slow down for now.

"We've got flooding issues that we have to solve and that was a big point of this project," Petrella said. "We won't be done till this fall."

The city says they'll continue collecting public input over the next month before presenting a more final concept. The city says the final concept will be presented to council this fall.