Jaycee Park rebuild draws praise
Individuals of all ages, as well as dogs of all sizes, took a stroll through Jaycee Park on opening morning.
“Despite all the naysayers, it is beautiful and well done,” said Barry Stephens, who was enjoying the riverfront views with his wife Elaine.
Thursday morning brought out a range of visitors — kids enjoying the playground tucked under shade canopies, adults and children enjoying the splash pad; leisurely walkers with four-legged friends along the boardwalk, and many others exercising while taking in the new scenery of the revamped park.
“It’s absolutely fabulous,” said Sandra Trawick, who was taking her mini-Australian shepherd, Aubie, for a walk.
The new amenities include an elevated boardwalk along the Caloosahatchee River offering views that expand to the Cape Coral Bridge and Midpoint, a band shell, bathrooms, three new playgrounds, including a splash pad, misting/drinking stations for dogs, as well as countless places to sit.
Along the paths are 425 new trees, as well as new native vegetation.
Trawick had a bird’s eye view during the rebuild of Jaycee Park. She said she watched it from the beginning due to its proximity of where she lives.
“It’s gorgeous, all of it. I love the riverwalk. It’s like you are on the water,” Trawick said. “I love all the lights.”
She said the only thing she thinks is missing is a lighted Jaycee Park sign.
The rebuild came in $18.7 million with another phase yet to come.
After the Stephens heard of the opening on the news, they decided to check out the park. Jaycee Park was the first park they visited five years ago when they were looking to relocate from Atlanta to Cape Coral.
Stephens recalled meeting a couple from Colorado, who they walked around the park with and chatted.
“What we have seen so far was excellent,” he said. “I wouldn’t of had the vision of taking down the trees – it’s spectacular.”
With the opening of the park, JC Hannah started her longstanding tradition – exercising at the park once again Thursday morning. She said she went through withdrawal with the park being closed, but never drove down Beach Parkway to sneak a peak of the progress.
“It’s a beautiful park – amazing job,” Hannah said. “It meets every need. I think it’s amazing.”
The one thing she thinks is missing is the shade and suggested adding more shade sails to different areas.
Barb also paid a visit to the park with a little one in tow to enjoy the playground.
“I am impressed with what they have done with the playgrounds,” she said, adding that the park needs more shade. “The facility is so much nicer.”
With the dog traffic at the park, it was also suggested to add more bag stations in the middle of the park.
The city listed the amenity highlights in a release announcing the reopening:
• a lighted riverfront boardwalk and overlook
• upgraded pathways with cooling misters
• lush native landscaping
• improved accessibility
• a large inclusive playground
• adult changing stations
• a 5,000-square-foot splash pad
• shaded picnic areas
• a bandshell for performances
• cornhole, pool, and shuffleboard tables
• beach volleyball courts
• a dedicated food truck court offering food and beverages (coming soon)
The officials ribbon cutting is set for Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public, and no reservations are required to attend.
The park is at the end of Beach Parkway at 4215 S.E. 20th Place.