CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Huge trees at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral provide shade on hot Florida days, but now people who visit the park are concerned they could be cut down.

“I would find it very difficult to go for my daily walk and not have the shade because it’s hot in Florida,” said Widmer.

Mary Widmer lives in the condos right next to Jaycee Park. She said the trees keep her cool year-round.

“It’s a place where we walk, it’s a place where we bring our dogs, a place we socialize, and it’s in the shade, so it’s cool, and you can walk it really almost anytime,” Widmer explained.

But invasive trees along the shoreline could be cut down if the city moves forward with a major renovation project at the park.

A food truck court, a place for bands to play and boat slips are all being considered.

Mickie Tuzinski said the shade is crucial to keep not only her cool but also her dog Chocolate.

“When you’re walking your animals, you need the shade because of their paws. There’s even signs up telling you how they can burn the bottom of their paws if the road isn’t shaded,” Tuzinski said.

Widmer doesn’t like the food court plan but has her own ideas.

“I would like to see the parking fixed up. I would like to see many be some more cabanas in here, maybe expand some of the playground equipment,” Widmer suggested.

Losing shade isn’t the only concern. A lot of animals call these trees home.

“We have so many birds coming in here that nest; we have squirrels who love our trees,” Widmer said.

The trees and mangroves also provided protection during Hurricane Ian.

“We’re one of the only shorelines that didn’t completely fall apart. Between the trees and the rocks, it held up,” Widmer explained.

The city is working to set up an August neighborhood meeting to hear from residents about the project.

The city said these plans are not finalized, but the removal of exotic and invasive species must be a consideration in any future plans.