To the editor:

I greatly appreciate the letter finding middle ground about Jaycee Park.

Very well said. Great points. New ideas.

I would add: follow the arborist’s recommendation to gradually and carefully remove invasive trees, while protecting critically endangered native plants mixed in with their roots. Allow new shade trees to mature before removing older and invasive ones.

Look at international park design innovations and conservation trends such as making new features blend with nature, including quiet places to take a break from sensory overload. Truly ADA inclusive and assistive playgrounds frequently include balance and range of motion stations for seniors to improve fall prevention.

Please understand that technically “accessible” playground equipment doesn’t actually work in real life and isn’t designed by disabled people or caregivers. Do a review of newer, truly ADA inclusive playground, trail and activity options. It’s vastly improved.

Keep what works well and draws people to the neighborhood: a wide street with visible bike lanes.

At the park, commit to keeping the large open fields. The north field in particular can handle extra parking one day, large gatherings and field games the next. Paving and adding trees throughout would make the space unusable for anything except seating.

If you want to add any walkway by the river, follow the best examples from wildlife sanctuaries and use eco-friendly solutions that don’t disrupt the wildlife.

Consider adding some trail cameras or webcams for spotting distressed boaters, manatees or other animals.

Post educational information about helping wounded wildlife and identifying wildlife at the park including bald eagles, yellow crowned night herons, and burrowing owls. Maybe host walking tours and bird watching with community groups.

Along the waterfront, include information about the oysters and the role they play in keeping the water clean.

Add a manatee viewing area with posted information about how to know if a manatee is in distress and how to contact FWC to report a distressed manatee.

For boaters, post warnings about underwater hazards that have caused significant damage to boats. Add a QR code for updates on water conditions, tides and helpful reminders about knowing your boat draft vs. water depth. The coast guard auxiliary and police marine patrol can advise on those.

Heather O’Connell

Cape Coral