CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — After one year, , and $18.7 million, Jaycee Park is back open.
Excited families and hardline skeptics flocked to the waterfront on Saturday as the city offered music, food, and vendors.
The new park features a lighted riverfront pathway, splash pad, beach volleyball, and playground. The years-long project faced fierce opposition from opponents who treasured the park’s original character. But Cape Coral leaders said the 50-year-old infrastructure needed an upgrade.
“We took our bumps and bruises along the way, but you know, for me, it was the big vision picture and the expectation of how great it would be,” said Mayor John Gunter.
Several families welcomed the changes.
“Huge upgrade,” said Cherrie Palacios, who visited the park with her husband and three children. “I love it. Is my new favorite park.”
Cherrie’s daughter agreed.
“I wanna come back like 20 more times,” Lucy Palacios said.
Swarms of children ran through the park, climbing on monkey bars and swinging through the air. Adults scarfed down hot dogs and listened to music from the newly-built stage.
This was the first big test for Jaycee Park.
The city said it re-imagined the park as a family-friendly destination for residents and visitors. However, it acknowledged there would not be enough parking for Saturday’s grand opening.
The city created three off-site parking lots and shuttled people to the event. Those with disabilities could park directly in front. Gunter said the city could bring back off-site parking for future events.
Robert Dandar and his wife walk to Jaycee Park nearly every morning from their home on Beach Parkway. Dandar said he was skeptical of the renovation – especially of the city’s plan to remove “invasive” trees along the shoreline.
But Dandar changed his tune after seeing the finished product.
“It’s exciting. It looks good,” Dandar said. “It’s a shame we missed the trees.”
Others were not convinced. Deborah McLain said the project was a waste of time and money. She said there isn’t enough shade, since a large chunk of the park is now open space.
“There’s no shade, there’s no sustenance,” McLain said. “I have four grandchildren, and they don’t want to be here.”
As McLain spoke, Lee County EMS wheeled a woman into an ambulance. A Cape Coral firefighter said she was treated for possible heat exhaustion and taken to the hospital.
Even so, some people welcomed the additional open space, underscoring just how many different opinions showed up at the park on Saturday.
“They made some great changes overall, in my opinion, a lot more open area,” said Sebastian Lozensky. “Great dog area. I just like it in general.”