Cape Coral Rowing Club moving to Tropicana Park after surprise vote

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) - After seven years of debate, delays, and uncertainty, the Cape Coral Rowing Club has a new home. In a surprise move, the City Council voted 6-1 Wednesday night to let the club use Tropicana Park. 

Originally, Tropicana Park wasn’t on the agenda. City Council planned to consider an alternative location at Crystal Lake Park in northwest Cape Coral.

But after public opposition from the club, Councilwoman Jennifer Nelson-Lastra moved to vote on Tropicana Park. She said Crystal Lake Park wasn't feasible, echoing rowers concerns. 

"We made a commitment to these kids back on May 6," Nelson-Lastra said. "These children brought it up that we would get them on the water as quick as possible." 

Council members Derrick Donnell, Joe Kilraine, Bill Steinke, Keith Long, and Rachel Kaduk voted in favor. Councilwoman Laurie Lehmann, who helped craft the Crystal Lake alternative, voted against.

Mayor John Gunter was not present at the meeting. Gunter did not advance to the general election in November after Tuesday's primary. 

Tropicana Park was supposed to be the rowers' new home after development forced them to move. In 2020, Cape Coral approved space for them at the park. 

But the move faced opposition from the Northwest Neighborhood Association, which raised safety concerns. The association argued that increased boat traffic from the Seven Islands project could put rowers at risk.

Club President Saundra Weston pushed back.

"Most people don't understand the sport of rowing," Weston said. "But every rowing club in the nation is sharing a waterway with motorized vessels, and that's why we have such safety protocols."

The rowers argue Tropicana Park is safer, because it has a dock designed to launch boats onto the water. Launching and docking boats is the most dangerous part of rowing, Weston said.

In April, City Council deadlocked on letting the club use Tropicana Park. The issue returned in May, after rowers pleaded with City Council to take action. Council directed staff to look into Crystal Lake Park as an alternative.

Weston said Crystal Lake could work - but it would require money to upgrade. City Council documents include estimates for gangways, rollers, ramps, and other equipment that totaled almost $52,000

The rowing club appeared before council again on Wednesday in opposition. 

"We have a half-baked plan," rower Nolan Ballo said. "If safety is a priority, why are we building next to an active boat ramp?"

Councilwoman Laurie Lehmann said she consulted city engineers to help develop the Crystal Lake alternative. Lehmann acknowledged that she is not a rower, but said she worked with people who are familiar with the sport. 

Councilwoman Nelson-Lastra said Crystal Lake is not a viable option. She moved to consider the original Tropicana Park agreement.

After a brief recess to review the original agreement, council returned. 

Councilwoman Lehmann asked if the public would still be able to use the docks at Tropicana Park. City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner said yes. 

Councilman Joe Kilraine questioned if the rowing club could pay for its end of the deal. In February, city leaders agreed on framework for a licensing deal recommending the club pay for a concrete wall around the property. The wall would be roughly 11,000 feet, up to 10 feet high. 

The club previously estimated it would cost around $150,000 to build.

But city staff explained that council ultimately landed on a much cheaper alternative: an eight-foot chain link fence and hedges around the perimeter.

Weston said the club would be able to afford that. 

After the vote, applause erupted in the chamber as Weston became visibly emotional. The young rowers said they are relieved. 

"It's really like a sense of anxiety has been lifted," said Teyah Love. "You know rowing is really our lives in a lot of ways."

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