City breaks ground for improvements at Yellow Fever Creek
The city of Cape Coral held a groundbreaking Friday, marking the start of improvements at Yellow Fever Creek Preserve off the Del Prado extension.
City leaders and representatives from the firms that will do the work on the preserve gathered to start the year-long effort after nearly two years of delays caused by COVID.
Councilmember Gloria Tate, stepping in for an ill Jessica Cosden (in whose district the park is located), said it is exciting to see this kind of park going in the city.
“This is a new product for Cape Coral, something we can offer our community that we don’t have,” Tate said. “The idea you can bring your family and camp here and never have to leave Cape Coral is really exciting.”
Tate read some words from Cosden, who said the northeast Cape, which has seen significant growth, has not had a park to call its own until recently. Now, Gator Trail Park will have a ribbon-cutting this fall, with Yellow Fever Creek Preserve hot on its heels.
“I am happy to tell my neighbors that we will no longer have to drive several miles to the nearest park,” Tate said of Cosden’s words. “My hope is that the entire community will visit this park and reap the benefits it can provide.”
The park will have an innovative design that will make for a nature preserve offering hiking, equestrian trails, a dog park and camping grounds — which would be a first for Cape Coral– a visitor center, kayak and canoe opportunities and more.
OAC Action Construction will construct the park. President Ozzie Cruz said his company has performed work in 20 states and in Central America as well as for federal agencies and is excited to begin the project.
Kimley Horn did the design work following public input meetings. James Pankonin, project manager of the design team, said they got great citizens input as well as from city staff.
Funding for the park comes from the 15-year, $60 million Parks GO Bond passed by city voters in 2018, which will fund park improvements, including seven new neighborhood parks, three community parks, and improvements to 17 existing parks.
Mike Ilczyszyn, public works director, said this particular groundbreaking was the most exciting time for the GO Bond yet.
“This is the first groundbreaking for a community park. It brings an element of outdoors, connectivity with nature that we don’t have. We have no campsites for residents,” Ilczyszyn said. “People can come to utilize the park and take in the scenery, walk the trails and do all kinds of activities. We’re really excited about it.”