City of Cape Coral sets opening date for Tropicana Park amid rowing club debate

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

The City of Cape Coral has announced the opening date for Tropicana Park.

According to the city, residents and community members are invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the park on Friday, May 29, at 10 a.m.

The park, located at 4101 Tropicana Parkway, will provide waterfront activation for recreational purposes and non-motorized boats

The city said amenities will include a beach area, water access points, launch docks, a boat tie-up dock and an accessible kayak launch. Other amenities include an observation pavilion, picnic pavilions, a playground, walking paths and restrooms.

The park has been part of a contested debate after council members denied the Cape Coral Rowing Club's request to relocate to and store equipment at the park.

"For me, it is very simple. I have never supported, will never support the rowing club going to Tropicana Park, and I never will support them going to Tropicana Park," Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter said during a meeting.

Councilmember Rachel Kaduk proposed a temporary solution during the same meeting.

"Let them use it, and then we can have direction to the city staff to find a permanent home," Kaduk said.

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