Cape Coral reopens parks in a limited capacity

Reporter: Anika Henanger Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Credit: WINK News.

Cape Coral City Council voted to reopen city parks beginning Tuesday in a limited capacity.

Council detailed how parks will start to open to the public and called it a cautious, medical approach. These decisions are considered part of phase one of the city’s plan.

Eleven parks in the city will be opening up with restrictions, giving people a place to get out and exercise. But Cape Coral police, city staff, and park rangers will be monitoring to catch any park visitors who don’t follow CDC guidelines for social distancing.

Parks will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. under this first phase.

Dog parks are not being reopened at this time because the council and the city say they are still “cleaning up.”

The guidelines for visiting parks are as follows:

  • For biking and walking only
  • No amenities open
  • No pickleball, tennis or basketball courts
  • No restrooms, pavilions, dog parks, playgrounds, community buildings, beaches,
  • No congregating
  • Kayaking or canoeing must also follow social distancing
  • Enforcement of CDC guidelines by park rangers, Cape police and city staff
  • Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Following Lee County’s protocol, parking lots will open
  • Parks with paths for both walking and biking
  • Kayak launches open, but no kayak rentals.

New features and other decisions at parks will include:

  • The plan is to take down barricades and tape at some parks and in some spots, but not all
  • Documents show city plans to install hand sanitizer stations at each park as needed before phase two
  • The disregard of CDC guidelines or a spike in Cape Coral COVID-19 cases could trigger an immediate closure of those newly reopened parks
  • The golf course now following very specific social distancing rules

Parks reopening include:

  • Giuffrida Park
  • Saratoga Lake Park
  • Four Mile Cove Ecological Park
  • Jaycee Park
  • Yacht Club Community Park
  • Rotary Park
  • Camelot Park
  • Joe Stonis Park
  • Paul Sanborn Park
  • Del Prado Linear Park
  • Sirenia Vista Park
  • With reopening limits to Seahawk Park and Coral Oaks Golf Course

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