To the editor:

Recently, I read several articles in The Breeze and heard discussions at a council meeting concerning the Rowing Club and the Dragon Boat Club and their requests for access and storage at our city parks.  Both organizations operate as non-profit clubs and actively promote exercise, teamwork, and recreational use of our waterways.  I worked at Cape Harbour Marina and often observed the Rowing Club.  For the most part, their activities occurred early in the morning and caused very little disruption to boating traffic in the spreader canals.  When the Rowing Club lost access to the land they had been using, they petitioned the city to allow them to use the Seven Islands property.  They ultimately agreed that Tropicana Park would best meet their needs, and the park was designed to accommodate them.

Now, residents and developers near the park are lobbying against the club’s presence. I commend the council members who have remained committed to the established plan.  Personally, I see no issue with these clubs storing their boats at a city parks.  I have not heard about any annual fee being paid for park usage, like a boat ramp fee or a pavilion rental fee. I believe a fee should be implemented so that the participants help fund the costs, rather than placing the full financial burden on residents and taxpayers. Supporting these clubs is ultimately beneficial for our city.

If we consider ourselves a boating community (and I feel we are and should remain so), what provisions are made for personal boats and their storage?  A resident recently asked me whether the city should permit residents to park their trailered boats on their driveways, charging a $300 annual fee and requiring registration and insurance validation. This could create a dedicated revenue source for maintaining clean waterways.  The resident claimed that many neighboring cities allow this.  We should research these options to provide a balanced approach and maintain our recreational lifestyle. It raises the question: Is the city overreaching in regulating what residents can do on their own property, yet permitting a club use of city property?  This is something worth considering.

Tom Shadrach

Cape Coral

Editor’s note: Mr. Shadrach is an announced candidate for City Council, District 1.