Keep the ‘park’ in Parks & Recreation
To the editor:
We have written the following letter to Cape Coral’s city manager:
Dear Mr. :
My husband and I live adjacent to a city owned property off Sands Blvd. in SW Cape Coral. We bought our home is 2008 in part because it is located on a quiet street and is directly adjacent to a public park designated as “passive.” Now, sadly, this park is to be turned into anything but passive, much to our distress.
Last week we noticed that there was an SUV in the middle of this park and that there were five men with clipboards gathered near an active burrowing owls nest there. We walked out to inquire about the purpose of their visit and were greeted by someone who appeared to be a contractor of some sort. He responded that they were there to make arrangement for the new park, or words to that effect.
I advised this man that we, as abutters, would like to see the area turned into a real park with trees, native plants, etc. We emphasized that we specifically did not want to see pickle ball courts constructed since they are notorious for loud pounding noise as paddle hits ball. This man assured us that he would pass on our concerns to the City of Cape Coral although his sincerity appeared somewhat suspect. After all, we concluded later, he was there because there is money to be made.
I have written to your parks and recreation director about our concerns before and she did respond in writing noting that there would be community meetings held to discuss the city’s plans. There were meetings (which we were unable to attend) but neighbors informed us that no one was allowed to ask questions.
As I did in my previous letter, my husband and I plead with you and your staff to respect the work Parks in the Parks and Recreation Department name. A park is a lovely thing. It is peaceful, beautiful, and above all it celebrates nature. Here in SW Florida there is so much nature to celebrate birds, owls, butterflies, native trees and shrubs. The plan for this park creates an asphalt covered monstrosity that is an insult to nature.
What we would like to ask of you is that you and your department heads review and revise the city’s plans for this park. We implore all of your to abandon your efforts to destroy this lovely area.
Very truly yours,
Marcia and Larry Gillis
Cape Coral