Cape Coral Rowing Club faces financial stress from relocation requirements at Tropicana Park

The Cape Coral Rowing Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is facing financial challenges related to fencing requirements and operating costs at its new home in Tropicana Park. The club is required to install an 8-foot chain-link fence as part of its lease agreement. Mayor John Gunter proposed a concrete fence and landscape buffering in April, but the financial burden of these options was significant for the organization. Council member Rachel Kaduk presented the differences in fencing and landscaping requirements for other youth sports programs during a council meeting. President Saundra Weston said the club handles operating expenses, insurance, and maintenance, which she noted are responsibilities many other youth sports teams do not face at other parks in Cape Coral. “We've just never been embraced. If you look at Tampa, for example, the City of Tampa built the Julian B. Lane river center, and that is a boathouse. And that was their mayor's idea years ago. And they have a rowing club that is run by Parks and Recreation,” Weston said. “But that's an example of a city that supports the sport. For reasons unbeknownst, we've been treated differently than all of the other nonprofits from the beginning.” Weston also pointed out that other programs across the city have different fencing and landscaping requirements around their facilities. “They fence this playground right behind you, you know, at the expense of the taxpayers. They fence in the lift station. So is it a big ask for a little bit of fencing? You know, I mean, the sports complex has miles of fencing, but I've evolved. And the reason I've evolved is not because of what should or shouldn't happen, because it's just been such a huge fight,” Weston said. The City of Cape Coral provided a statement explaining that other city youth primary user groups have agreements allowing them to store equipment at their respective facilities. “Other City Youth Primary User Groups have agreements that allow them to store equipment at their respective facilities. Specific storage arrangements and comparable requirements depend on the type of use, whether private equipment is stored on City property, whether an organization has dedicated space, and the site-specific safety, utility, and maintenance needs involved,” the statement read. 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.