CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — The City of Cape Coral will celebrate the opening of Tropicana Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday.
The event will take place at 10 a.m. at the new waterfront park located at 4101 Tropicana Parkway W. The ceremony is free and open to the public with no reservation required.
Cape Coral City Council faced pushback from the Cape Coral Rowing Club after the council failed to approve an agreement that would allow the club to use Tropicana Park
The Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association voiced its opposition to the club’s home being Tropicana Park, claiming it posed a threat to rowers who would have to navigate boat traffic.
Parents argued otherwise, saying Tropicana Park is the safest option because it has a dock for launching boats.
Saundra Westom, the president of the Cape Coral Rowing Club, said that launching and docking the boats is the most dangerous part of rowing, but Tropicana Park addresses that.
“To yell, safety is kind of interesting,” Weston said. “If you’re truly concerned about our safety, then why are you pushing us out of the safest location already built and paid for?”
Tropicana Park features a beach area, water access points and launch docks. The park also includes an accessible kayak launch for visitors.
Additional amenities include observation and picnic pavilions, a playground and walking paths with fitness stations. Restrooms and parking are available on site.
The new park provides Cape Coral residents with expanded waterfront recreation opportunities.
Community members are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting to mark the park’s official opening.