Operation Sparkle has crossed the halfway mark of completing all the items on its list to improve the parks in Cape Coral.

Parks and Recreation Director Joe Petrella said Wednesday there were a total of 659 items that were marked out in the facilities as part of Operation Sparkle. City staff has completed about 59% with about 41% of the items remaining, which are larger scale items for the facilities.

Operation Sparkle, which launched in July 2022, resumed in March 2023, after Petrella focused on assistance in recovery from Hurricane Ian; therefore, putting Operation Sparkle on pause.

The projects identified were general maintenance and repairs for small scale items, as well as large-scale items, such as replacing, or upgrading facilities, buildings, structures, and infrastructure.

“Significant strides have been made,” Petrella said. “Park staff is continuing to knock off little things here and there.”

The areas of focus have been the Cape Coral Art Studio – 51 items; Strausser/ BMX – 44 items; Burton – 28 items; Caloosa – 52 items; Four Freedoms – 45 items; Jim Jeffers – 35 items; Koza – 41 items; Cape Coral Sports Complex – 55 items; Lake Kennedy – 28 items; NW Softball – 39 items; Pelican Baseball – 43 items; Pelican Soccer – 28 items; Special Pops – 55 items; Verdow – 38 items, and Rotary – 77 items.

The presentation to Cape Coral City Council also highlighted the larger projects, such as Storm Football, Burton Memorial Park, and NW Softball.

Petrella said Storm Football is at 25% completion. The roofing permit was approved and it should start soon.

Other work includes electrical lighting nearly complete, HVAC replacement scheduled, restrooms nearly complete, new scoreboards, concession window renovation, expanded sidewalks, goalposts being permitted and equipment for concessions awaiting delivery.

The estimated completion is late June, early July. This project is about $800,000.

Councilmember Keith Long asked about the significant impact of the turf field, and how that came to fruition of becoming a part of Project Sparkle.

“I also believe we have spoken to individuals of the board, and they would not support the turf field,” he said.

Assistant City Manager Connie Barron said there have been some discussion of moving forward that this particular expenditure is questionable.

Burton Memorial Park, a $1.2 million project, is waiting for materials and should start in June or July. The submittals are approved and are awaiting materials at NW Softball, a $750,000 cost, for a June, July tentative start date.

Petrella said the funds to pay for the projects have come out of the Parks and Recreation Department general maintenance fund. Staff will ask for additional funds for fiscal year 2025 to continue to knock things off the list.

Council asked if the same staff is assigned to certain parks, as it would provide ownership of the parks.

Petrella said they have been really pushing ownership to instill some pride.

“You have to love these parks as much as the residents do. It builds up our team and engages them a lot more,” Petrella said of setting staff to certain parks.

Councilmember Bill Steinke gave Petrella and the Parks and Recreation Department some props.

“I think our Parks and Recreation Department is doing a wonderful job under your leadership,” he said. “For the parks to be in the condition they were in 2022, and Operation Sparkle put into place because of it. Three, four months later a hurricane. For you to come on the scene afterwards –absolute and total recovery of the largest storm the area has ever seen — and get it back in place, increasing the number of parks. It’s a testament to the dedication you and your department have.”

Steinke also thanked Petrella for attending the Tourist Development Council to gain funding for Operation Sparkle, so it is not placed solely on Cape taxpayers, but instead it come from through Tourist Development Council.

Councilmember Dan Sheppard said the difference in the parks is dramatic. He encouraged citizens to visit the city’s website and research the parks as there are so many in Cape Coral.

“There are a lot of beautiful parks out there. Take the time to look them up, and research it,” Sheppard said.