Jaycee Park reopens in Cape Coral after $12 million renovation

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Jaycee Park in Cape Coral has reopened after a $12 million renovation, featuring new amenities like a riverfront boardwalk, band shell, splash pad, and playground, while drawing mixed reactions from the community.

The city says the redesign was intended to make the park more accessible and welcoming to everyone. However, the transformation has sparked debate among residents, with some expressing concerns about the changes.

"When the whole idea came up to change the park and redo it, I was very much against it. In fact, I had the same Jaycee Park sign in my front yard," said Tad Vaughn, a Cape Coral resident.

Bobby Dickerson, another resident, shared similar concerns.

"It was a neighborhood park, and that's what it was designated as. And so we fought it for a long time. You can't fight City Hall. You can fight, but you can't win," he said.

One of the major points of contention was the removal of trees, which some residents felt ruined the original feel of the park. City officials explained that the removed trees were invasive species and have since been replaced with hundreds of native ones that will grow over time. The goal of the project, according to city leaders, was to open up the waterfront view and create a destination for all ages.

Despite the upgrades, some residents remain concerned about increased traffic and noise in the area.

"If you look and see, you can see there are six or seven homes for sale along the edge of the parkway here. And it's not by coincidence," Dickerson said.

The city has reassured residents that sound levels will be controlled and events will end at reasonable hours.

After seeing the completed park, neighbors have begun to embrace the changes.

"We have something that is going to be really great for the community going forward for the years to come. So I'm happy. It's open, I'm excited, it's beautiful. And I get back to riding through the park every day," Vaughn said.

Dickerson said, "It's done, you know? So we're just going to use the park and make the best of it."

The city plans to add a boat ramp and a vendor for the bistro for quick bites in the future. Jaycee Park is now open daily at sunrise, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m.

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