CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Cape Coral residents made it known to the city council Wednesday that many are not in favor of a makeover for Jaycee Park.
“You can see that those who are opposed that were there that day were 136 or 63 percent,” Connie Barron said. She is the assistant city manager.
Cape Coral shared the results of an open house and online survey in their meeting. It received nearly 1,500 responses about adding a band stage, beach volleyball, a river overlook and much more.
It shows only 25% of you are in support.
“There was no opportunity for the people that took the survey to vote no against the entire project,” concerned residents said.
Many residents say they do not want Jaycee Park to change. They would rather not see food trucks or more parking.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Cape Coral residents express skepticism toward Jaycee Park renovations
“They pave paradise and they put up a parking lot,” Bobby Dickerson said.
Although the city council did not make any decisions today, residents want their concerns heard.
“The idea of having it transformed from a quaint neighborhood park to a busy and noisy neighborhood park to cost millions of dollars in taxpayer funds is in direct opposition to the neighboring community,” Mark Thermand said. He is on the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife board.
“We are all hearing you and I want you to know that,” City Councilwoman Patty Cummings said. “And I want to thank you for coming out and sharing your story of why you love Jaycee Park.”
The city will take your concerns and rework the design plans before creating a resolution for the city council to vote on any of those changes for Jaycee Park.
“We have dedicated over $800,000 in this fiscal year for that individual design,” Mayor John Gunter said.
The city told ABC7 that will not happen for a few weeks.