Cape Coral's Jaycee Park reopens following years of debate

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — Jaycee Park has officially reopened to the public on Thursday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for May 8.

• RELATED: Renovated Jaycee Park sparks mixed reactions before April 30 opening

The park's transformation has sparked years of heated debate between neighbors and the city. While some residents are warming up to the changes, others wish the original version had never been altered.

WINK News anchor Zoe Warner toured the renovated park Wednesday afternoon with city officials to see the new features firsthand. The redesigned space includes ADA-accessible playgrounds, beach volleyball courts and an unrestricted view of the Caloosahatchee River.

However, some neighbors say it will take time to adjust to the new reality of what was once their beloved park. Neighbor Paul Powler expressed frustration with the city's decision to move forward despite community resistance.

"We had several thousand on the petition form. There was a lot of resistance to it. They're just not going to listen. They had to override it. They were going to do this up hell or high water," Powler said.

Neighbor Dennis Knuth raised concerns about traffic congestion with the park's single access point.

"There's only one entrance in and out, and that's Beach Parkway. If you're drawing large crowds in here, traffic is going to be a mess," Knuth said.

During the tour, city officials told Warner they considered all neighbors' concerns when planning the renovation.

Not all residents oppose the changes. Neighbor Danny Woodruff praised the park's improved accessibility features.

"Before, I could not walk along the river because the big, ugly trees and the roots everywhere. You couldn't walk along. You can go anywhere with your walker," Woodruff said.

Powler acknowledged his skepticism about the renovated park.

"I'm not real positive about it," Powler said.

Other neighbors, like Ron Laun, are willing to give the new version a chance before forming a final opinion.

"I think the park will be used by a lot of residents who maybe are not from this area that live around the park, so I will certainly give them a chance, but then we'll give them some feedback," Laun said.

The ribbon-cutting is set for next Friday