Cape Coral Rowing Club finds new home at Tropicana Park as city leaders reverse course

The Cape Coral Rowing Club has faced some rough waters in the search for a new home. "It was hard to breathe, because it was such a long time coming. It was hard to believe at first," said Saundra Weston, president of the Cape Coral Rowing Club. Now, in an unexpected city council decision Wednesday night, the club will be able to use Tropicana Park, reversing a previous decision made in April. "I want to thank those council members that heard me. I mean, I've spent a lot of time saying a lot of things, and there have been so many times where I have not been listened to, and I'm extremely grateful to be heard," said Weston. The debate has been ongoing for months, as some pushed back on that idea. In April, the city council denied the club's request, citing safety concerns and opposition from residents. "Nothing against the Rowing Club at all. This park is for everybody in the community. So if you let one entity like that, then there's gonna be another one and another one. Where do you draw the line? said Cape Coral resident Durwin Jones. Council directed the club to look into Crystal Lake Park as an alternative, but the rowers argued Tropicana Park is safer. "Launching and landing is the most uncertain and unpredictable time a vessel spends on the water. So here, I mean, it's so safe. Then when you get out to the spreader, the field of view is huge," said Weston. The club plans to inspect the property at Tropicana Park to ensure it matches their plans. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.