2nd Update on Crystal Lake Park Problem

Crystal Lake Solution is in Progress!

NWNA Members:

Please see the memorandum on actions the city is taking to resolve the issue at Crystal Lake. I am very pleased with the action taken by the City of Cape Coral, led my Mr. Ilczyszyn, and I am sure you will also recognize the fast attention given to this matter. When the opportunity presents, please acknowledge this work and extend your thanks, as I have.

John Bashaw
President - Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association, Inc.
(920) 449-2000

From: Michael Ilczyszyn <milczysz@capecoral.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2021, 11:45 AM
To: publicworks@nwcape.com; president@nwcape.com; parks@nwcape.com
Cc: Paul Clinghan; Gary Gasperini; Cheryl Mackowski; Kerry Runyon; Keith A. Locklin; Matthew Creed; Lucille Vaillancourt-Kreider; Anthony Sizemore; Michael Catania; Ryan W. Lamb; James F. Parker; James Breakfield; Gary Gasperini
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] - [FWD: crystal lake]

Gentlemen,

Good morning. I hope this email finds you well. I have reviewed the photos sent in to the City, performed a site visit to the scenic overlook, and coordinated an interdepartmental response.
Collectively we have a multi-pronged approach to this situation which incorporates some of the solutions you proposed below. As you are likely aware the City is designing an ADA accessible scenic overlook amenity at the top of this hill for our residents, visitors, and businesses to provide viewings at this location for sunset celebrations, stargazing astronomical events, observing the Charlotte Harbor State Park and associated Charlotte Harbor, and to see the Gulf of Mexico from the only known location in Cape Coral. Our approach to this issue is to align our response with the intended vision of the park once developed.
Generally, we are using the three "E" responses: 1) education, 2) engineering, and 3) enforcement. This is how each of these will be addressed:
1) Education: The City is going to post the park's rules sign on both ends of the scenic overlook and next to the sign displaying the future park concept plan in the northeast corner of the park. A copy of the sign is attached. It provides park users the education on what is unacceptable behavior within the park boundaries. These signs will be posted as soon as the engineering solutions below are completed.
2) Engineering: Along the top of the scenic overlook soldier rocks are being replenished this morning were missing and fortified to be unmovable. Additionally, at the base of the scenic overlook driveway barrier swing gates will be installed and locked for emergency use only. Quotes for the gates have already been requested. The openings are also being restricted to the width of the gate plus 4 feet of pedestrian access on each side. Public Works staff is restricting these entrances this morning also. The gate is a temporary solution as it is not intended in the final design for the park.
3) Enforcement: The Police Department has already advised patrol staff and the community resource division to increase patrols in the evening at this location.
Together, we are hopeful this approach will result in meaningful results for our nearby residents. As always, if illegal activity is observed our residents should contact the Police Department immediately. If there are questions about uses within the parks then the Parks and Recreation Department should be contacted.
If you have any questions about any of this information please let me know.Regards,
Michael Ilczyszyn
City of Cape Coral
Senior Public Works Manager
P.O. Box 150027
Cape Coral, Florida 33915-0027
W: (239)-574-0457
F: (239)-574-0452
Ext: 4457