Northwest Cape Coral Parks Update

Sirenia Vista

You may have noticed a lot of construction preparation at the park in addition to the dredging of the spreader canal that was recently completed.

The city is in the process of adding several improvements to the park.  One of the main improvements will be the construction of permanent restrooms (see example).  The restrooms will be located near the observation platform and book exchange.  The area around the restrooms will be landscaped and they will be accessible with sidewalks.

Proposed Basins

The city will be improving the landscaping, install irrigation, and reinforce the canal banks from erosion.  Three storm retention basins will be built to improve drainage and eliminate the standing water that occurs after heavy rains.  There will be a storm retention basin will be located in the area behind the current portable restrooms.  There will be another retention basin located between the sidewalks just north of the picnic pavilion.  Another storm retention basin will be built behind the new restrooms.

The entrance from southbound Old Burnt Store Rd will be permanently closed off.  All the improvements are expected to be completed by the end of February.  The park will remain open during the construction.

Tropicana Park

The site plan has been finalized and the city is now just waiting on the Federal permit from the Army Corp of Engineers.  As soon as the city receives the permit, they can set the construction timeline.

Tropicana Park Final Site Plan

Crystal Lake

The site plan has been finalized and the city is now waiting on the Federal permit from the Army Corp of Engineers.  As soon as the city receives the permit, they can set the construction timeline.

Crystal Lake Park Final Site Plan

Festival Park

The final site plan is approved and construction of phase 1 is tentatively scheduled to begin in December.  Some of the amenities in Phase 1 construction will include parking lots, an amphitheater, concession, restrooms, soccer fields, and a large pavilion.

Parks Committee Update

Members, We thought you would like to see an update from Kevin Black, your Parks Chairman on the Yacht Club construction, and two of the parks coming to the NWCape. Cape Coral Yacht Club - During the City Council's Committee of the Whole meeting on December 8, 2021, staff provided an update on the planned renovation of the Yacht Club as well as a Parks GO Bond update. The city has decided to close the entire Yacht Club Community Park, with the exception of the Boathouse restaurant. This includes the public beach, pier, boat ramps, tennis courts, public restrooms, community pool, Tony Rotino Center, and Godman Yacht Basin. The primary reason for closing the Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park is safety. The renovation will involve the demolition of structures, replacement of walkways, relocation of utilities, large barges in the water working on the new seawalls, and a lot of heavy construction and equipment. Trying to operate the facilities during that time would present significant safety risks to residents and visitors that the City is not willing to accept. Tropicana and Crystal Lake Parks - Both projects still need the Army Corp of Engineers, permit approval, and replat of the project sites, which is required prior to construction. Construction is expected to begin in April 2022. Festival Park - Phase 1 of this project still needs site development permit approval, final construction bid packets, and project specifications. Utility relocation must also occur before the project can be bid. It also requires a replat of the site. Construction is expected to begin in June 2022.  Kevin Black

Update on Crystal Lake Boardwalk - Trading House Trail

Hello Members:

Here is a 5 minute video update on the boardwalk at Crystal Lake Park. Please watch the video below to see how this project is progressing.

John Bashaw, President
(920) 449-2000https://conta.cc/3mQEkZ4

NWNA Parks Chairman Crystal Lake Update

Kevin Black gives us an update on the progress of Crystal Lake Park - 6/10/2021

Watch as our NWNA Parks Chairman, Kevin Black gives us an update on the future site of Crystal Lake Park in the NW Cape. The Park is located on Caloosa Parkway and will also be the starting point for a boardwalk that will go all the way to the city-owned property on Charlotte Harbor.

Youth Council Boardwalk Approval

President of the NWNA, John Bashaw, updates the members with good news about the proposal presented to the Cape Coral Youth Council for a Nature Walk from Crystal Lake Park to Charlotte Harbor.

Crystal Lake Park Beauty

NWNA Members:

The beauty of the Northwest Cape is unrivaled. We are so fortunate to live here!

The pictures below were taken at Crystal Lake Park on Jan 14th and sent to us by Member Gordon Ultsch. I think you will agree it showcases the beauty of the Northwest Cape!

Redhead - relatively rare around here
Hooded Merganser - the first seen in our area
Ring-billed gulls - here for the winter

Thank you so much for sharing them with us, Gordon!

Hooded MerganserCropped-RedheadRing-billed Gulls

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

Crystal Park Problem Update

NWNA Members:

The City of Cape Coral is aggressively pursuing a resolution to the situation at Crystal Lake. Plans are already in place to address the concerns you raised, including the suggestions in the bulletin I sent on Monday. I am confident the right resources are on this problem with the right urgency.

Please do not attend the Council Meeting on Wednesday to speak on the Crystal Lake problem. Doing so will create a crisis that is already being resolved. I will keep you informed of progress and I am confident you will like what you hear.

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

Crystal Lake Park Problem

NWNA Members: Happy New Year and my best wishes to you and your family for a great 2021. We have a situation in the vicinity of Crystal Lake Park and I am asking you to support our members and help out. The members near Crystal Lake are at their wits end with the partying, drag racing, bonfires, and loud music coming from and near the hill on the West end of the park. Recently, CCPD was called, and I believe the Fire Department also was dispatched because of the size of the fire on the hilltop. I plan to present these suggestions at the Council Meeting on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. 1. Add a gate or some other obstruction to keep vehicles off the hill 2. Post No Trespassing After Dark signs all around the park property 3. Post signage that states No Littering all around the park property 4. Increase Police Patrols through the neighborhood after dark 5. Support the NWNA efforts to clean and maintain the park property during development. The future park, especially at the hill, is littered with pallets, bottles, and other garbage that does not belong on that beautiful piece of property. We have several members who will also be speaking at the meeting. Others have offered to be at the meeting to show support. To help, you can: ·    Attend the meeting on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, 4:30 PM, in the City Council Chambers at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd ·    Speak at the meeting during CITIZENS INPUT TIME. Citizens Input Time is early on the agenda, so you won't have to stay for the entire meeting. ·    Send in your support on Ecomments ·    Send an email to our District Representative requesting his help The situation at Crystal Lake Park is not acceptable and no one deserves to have that sort of activity in their neighborhood. Please get engaged. Thank You P.S. You'll be hearing from me shortly about the conditions at the 7 Islands Property and Tropicana Neighborhood Park. John Bashaw President - Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association, Inc.