City cuts ribbon for Gator Trails Park
Even before city dignitaries arrived to cut the ribbon on the new Gator Trails Park, there were dozens of people in the racquet area waiting to play pickleball.
Pickleballers are a fanatical bunch and they love having a court designed for the sport instead of making due with a makeshift tennis court or basketball court.
The two pickleball courts were among the most popular attractions for the park with a ribbon-cutting and cookout Friday after a soft opening. The neighborhood park at 3612 Garden Blvd. will serve those living in the northwest section of the city.
Formerly known as Gator Circle Park, the park got a $2.1 million upgrade as part of a voter-approvedinitiative. It has been re-open for nearly a month and features, in addition to two new two pickleball courts, a tennis court, a playground, zip line, pavilions, shade structures, multi-use paths and a basketball court.
It was set to open in January, but was delayed because of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian.
For Mayor John Gunter, it has been a busy month of groundbreaking and ribbon-cuttings. He said the city has worked as a team to bring residents the amenities that make a city great.
“We have a city council that has a commitment to fulfill the promise we made to residents to complete the GO Bond projects,” Gunter said. “We asked you to vote for these projects. Even though our economic times find us where we are today and we’re going to exceed that amount. We are here to fulfill our promise we made to you.”
District 7 Cape Coral City Councilmember Jessica Cosden said the new park will be the perfect place for her family to come and enjoy, just like the upgraded Del Prado Linear Park, which also is in her district.
“I know the families here in Gator Circle are eagerly awaiting the opening. Parks are a vital part of every city. They encourage our residents and visitors to exercise and explore nature,” Cosden said. “Parks build healthy stable communities and Gator Trail will do just that.”
It will be a great thing for the pickleballers who played on while the ceremony was happening. Jim Thomas was wearing his pickleball lovers shirt and was thrilled to have a court to call home.
“I love this park. They cleaned it up and made it nicer and it looks beautiful. I’ve played pickleball several times on the courts already. A group of people play Monday, Wednesday and Friday and everyone is real courteous,” Thomas said. “I really enjoy seeing the kids on the zip line. It’s really cool.”
In 2018, Cape Coral voters approved a $60 million expansion of the city’s parks and recreation amenities. The approved 15-year general obligation bond to fund major parks and recreation improvements throughout the city. The plan called for upgrades to 17 existing parks, seven new neighborhood parks, three new community parks and a $5.7 million environmental park.
Due to increased material and labor cots, and damage wrought by Hurricane Ian, the cost of the master plan is now $73 million, excluding the Cape Coral Yacht Club. Ian devastated the historic park and marina, destroying the riverfront pier and severely damaging the complex buildings, which are expected to require a complete rebuild to existing code standards. The Yacht Club is now considered a separate parks project.