CAPE CORAL ROWING CLUB

Tropicana Park: Another Example of Establishment Failure

While the City spent over $9 Million of taxpayer money to build Tropicana Park (opening May 29, 2026), the current Council and Mayor turned their backs on one of Cape Coral’s most valuable community assets — the Cape Coral Rowing Club.

The Facts:

• Original 2020 plans included space for the Rowing Club.
• In April 2026, the City Council deadlocked 4-4 and later rejected (5-3) giving the Rowing Club a long-term home at the park.
• Mayor Gunter and the insider majority voted against the club.

This is what the “Go Along to Get Along” Council Delivered:

• ❌ Blocked a youth and family rowing program
• ❌ Wasted waterfront space that could serve hundreds of residents
• ❌ Ignored community input in favor of personal agendas
• ✅ Spent millions while delivering less value for taxpayers

Cape Coral Must Honor Its Long-Standing Agreement: Approve the Cape Coral Rowing Club’s Home Base at Tropicana Park.

The City of Cape Coral has a clear, decades-long policy of providing free public access to its taxpayer-funded parks for organized groups, sports teams, nonprofits, and community programs. From youth soccer leagues and Pop Warner football to girls softball, BMX motocross, and countless other athletic organizations that regularly use city fields, courts, and waterfront facilities without privatizing them, Cape Coral has always welcomed structured recreational use that serves residents of all ages. Denying the Cape Coral Rowing Club the same opportunity at Tropicana Park would break that tradition and threaten a vital community asset.

• Tropicana Park was built for exactly this purpose: As a waterfront neighborhood park funded by taxpayers through the 2018 GO Bond, it includes a kayak launch, boat tie-up, beach area, and direct water access—features specifically designed to support water-based recreation like rowing, not to sit idle while a proven nonprofit program dissolves.
• The Cape Coral Rowing Club is a public-benefit nonprofit, not a private club: Operating since 2007 as a 501(c)(3), it has taught hundreds of local youth and adults discipline, fitness, and teamwork while helping athletes earn college scholarships. It offers free “Learn to Row” programs for veterans and first responders—exactly the kind of inclusive community use Cape Coral’s parks policy was meant to encourage.
• This is responsible, cost-saving public use: Allowing the club a designated license area for safe boat storage and training costs taxpayers almost nothing (proposed $10 annual fee) and avoids expensive modifications at less suitable sites like Crystal Lake Park, which has steep shores, rip-rap, and mangroves that would require significant city investment.
• Public access remains fully protected: A license agreement does not privatize the park. The docks, water, and grounds stay open to every resident—just as they do when other sports organizations use city facilities for practices, games, and events. The club’s low-impact, quiet rowing activities enhance rather than detract from the park’s family-friendly mission.
• Failure to act risks losing the entire program: Without a stable home base, the club faces dissolution after 19 years of service. Cape Coral cannot afford to lose this unique, college-pathway sport that brings pride, health, and opportunity to our youth while promoting active use of our waterways.

City Council has the power—and the duty—to uphold its own long-standing policy of equitable public-park access for community groups. Honor and Approve the license agreement for the Cape Coral Rowing Club at Tropicana Park. Vote to keep the bragging rights of having an all volunteer, professional rowing program, benefitting fitness and scholarships in Cape Coral where it belongs.

Cape Coral Rowing Club Controversy, NWNA (Northwest Neighborhood Association) & Media Coverage

Tropicana Park is a new waterfront neighborhood park in northwest Cape Coral, Florida (at 4101 Tropicana Parkway W.), developed as part of the city’s 2018 parks GO Bond initiative to expand green spaces and recreation. It is planned to include water access points, a beach area, boat tie-up, kayak launch, observation pavilion, playground, walking paths with fitness stations, and other amenities. Construction broke ground on November 18, 2024, and as of early 2026, it was reported as about 85% complete (with some funding shifts away from the original GO Bond due to broader project cost increases).

Early Planning and Controversy (2020)

Media coverage from 2020 highlighted debates over the park’s design and usage. Residents and the Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association expressed mixed opinions, with some opposing or criticizing proposed changes (including potential impacts on nearby areas or additions like a splash pad that faced council resistance). There was also early discussion about allocating space for private clubs, specifically the Caloosa Coast Rowing Club and South Florida Canoe/Kayak Club, which drew concerns about using public land for private entities, transparency in planning, and compatibility with a “neighborhood park” concept. Some redesigns occurred after public input and objections.

Construction and Positive Developments (2024–2025)

Local outlets like WINK News, Gulf Coast News (NBC2), and the Cape Coral Breeze covered the groundbreaking positively, noting excitement among residents for the new 48th city park and its family-friendly waterfront features. Coverage emphasized community benefits, such as added green space and recreational access in the northwest Cape. Minor updates included a 2025 city council approval of a $1 million contract amendment that included design work for a roundabout at the park’s entrance.

Recent Rowing Club Controversy (April 2026)

The bulk of current media attention focuses on a divisive dispute over whether the Cape Coral Rowing Club (a long-standing nonprofit youth and adult program) can use part of Tropicana Park for boat storage, equipment, and training/launch access.

• The club argued Tropicana’s design and direct water access make it an ideal, fiscally responsible home base (especially compared to alternatives like Crystal Lake Park, which they say has steep shores, rip-rap, and mangroves that would hinder safe operations and require costly taxpayer-funded modifications).
• Supporters, including some council members, viewed it as aligning with the park’s intended water-focused amenities and beneficial for local athletes (some of whom advance to college-level rowing).
• Opponents, including many nearby residents (with reports of 1,500+ complaints cited), raised concerns about safety (mixing rowing activities with general park users), noise/traffic, privatization of public space, and prioritizing a private group over broader community use. They preferred relocating the club elsewhere.

On April 8, 2026, the issue divided the City Council (a 4-4 tie on one motion). Mayor Gunter reportedly pushed for relocation. On April 15–16, 2026, a key license agreement for the club to operate at Tropicana failed on a tie vote, leaving the club without a home after their current arrangement ends (they warned of potential dissolution or “liquidation”). Coverage from WINK News, Gulf Coast News, Cape Coral Breeze, and others described it as a heated debate pitting neighbors against the club, with editorials criticizing the council’s handling and calls for revisiting the vote. The club is weighing options, and some residents have started petitions to keep them at the park.

Overall, media framing portrays Tropicana Park as a long-awaited community asset with broad support for its recreational value, but overshadowed recently by local tensions over shared use and priorities. Coverage is primarily from southwest Florida outlets (WINK, Gulf Coast News/NBC2, Cape Coral Breeze, News-Press archives), with no major national attention. The story remains ongoing as of mid-April 2026.

NWNA – NORTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION – OPPOSES CAPE CORAL ROWING CLUB

The Northwest Neighborhood Association (NWNA) in Cape Coral has led vocal, sustained opposition to granting the Cape Coral Rowing Club (a nonprofit youth and adult rowing program) a permanent or long-term home at Tropicana Park, including storage for boats/equipment and use of the adjacent public waterways for launching and training.

Key Points of NWNA Opposition

• Location Inappropriateness: NWNA leaders (including President Kevin Black) argue Tropicana Park is not the “right use in the right location.” They emphasize preserving the park as a general “neighborhood park” for broader community use rather than dedicating space to a specialized watersports facility. They claim the rowing operations (including visible equipment storage and docks) could become an “eyesore” and conflict with the original neighborhood park concept presented to residents.
• Safety and Public Use Concerns: They raise issues about mixing rowing activities with other park users, potential conflicts in the waterways (e.g., with future development at nearby Seven Islands), and overall public safety. NWNA has pushed for a concrete wall or other barriers in past discussions and questions whether the canal access at Tropicana is suitable long-term for rowing shells.
• Scale and Majority Rule Argument: Opponents highlight that the club serves a relatively small group (around 40 active members/participants mentioned in debates) versus claimed widespread resident complaints (one council member cited ~1,500 people opposing the club at this site). They frame it as prioritizing the broader neighborhood’s wishes over a niche activity.
• Alternative Site Preference: NWNA and aligned council members favor relocating the club to Crystal Lake Park (a couple miles north, already associated with another paddling group like the Dragon Boat Club), arguing it would be “free” or lower-impact and safer for youth participants seeking college scholarships.

Influence on City Leadership

Critics of the NWNA describe its influence as heavy-handed or driven by special interests, noting that the association has engaged extensively with city staff, council, and the public on Tropicana Park planning for years (including priority use agreements and design input). This pressure reportedly swayed Mayor John Gunter and several council members (e.g., Laurie Lehmann, Keith Long, Joe Kilraine), who voted against a proposed 10-year license agreement (with renewal options) for the club at Tropicana Park. The recent council vote ended in a 4-4 tie, effectively blocking the move.

Opponents of the opposition argue Tropicana Park was specifically designed and funded (via GO Bond/taxpayer dollars) with rowing-friendly features like a state-of-the-art dock and water access in mind since at least 2005–2020 planning phases. They view the pushback as shifting goalposts (e.g., last-minute demands for costly barriers) and politically motivated, potentially dooming the club as it loses its current site at Seven Islands. Club supporters point out the program’s benefits for youth development, veterans, first responders, and college scholarships, and call for revisiting the vote with more public input.

Broader Context on Waterways

Opposition extends to the club’s use of adjacent public canals/waterways for practice. NWNA expresses concerns about navigation, speed limits, sharing space with other boaters, and impacts from nearby redevelopment. The club counters that Tropicana offers the safest, most practical access compared to alternatives.

The issue remains unresolved, with the club weighing options (including potential dissolution) after the recent denial. Debates have played out in council meetings, local news, social media, and editorials, highlighting tensions between neighborhood preferences, taxpayer-funded park design, and support for recreational/sports programs. Earlier disputes over the park date back years, including 2020 debates about “bait and switch” on park concepts.

This summary draws from recent local reporting (April 2026) and reflects the perspectives presented in public statements and coverage.

CAPE CORAL ROWING CLUB HISTORY

The Cape Coral Rowing Club (CCRC), also known historically as the Caloosa Coast Rowing Club, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Cape Coral, Florida. It focuses on teaching and promoting the sport of crew rowing (sweep and sculling) through community programs for youth (scholastic/middle and high school ages) and adults (masters program, 19+). The club emphasizes discipline, technical skills, physical fitness, and has helped participants earn college rowing scholarships (e.g., to schools like Stetson and MIT). It also offers learn-to-row classes, including free sessions for veterans and active first responders.

Founding and Early Years (2007–2015)

• Founded in 2007: Local real estate developer Will Stout provided generous donations, including waterfront property and substantial funding. The Cape Coral Rotary Club also contributed support. This enabled the establishment of the nonprofit in the Cape Harbour area.
• First “Learn to Row” classes began in November 2007.
• Initially operated as the Cape Coral Rowing Club, later rebranded or referred to as Caloosa Coast Rowing Club (CCRC) in media coverage around 2015.
• By the mid-2010s, the club had active programs for both a Masters Team (adults) and a Scholastic Team (youth). Membership grew to over 100 rowers at times, with practices on local canals. Coverage highlighted its role as an accessible, alternative sport for local students and families.

Growth and Operations at Cape Harbour (2007–2022)

The club was based at Cape Harbour for about 15 years. It ran regular practices, competitive teams, and community outreach. Local media (News-Press, Gulf & Main Magazine) featured it positively as rowing gained popularity in Southwest Florida, noting its all-ages programs and contributions to youth development. The club acquired equipment like racing shells (e.g., Vespoli 8s) and built a presence in regional rowing.

Relocation Challenges (2022–Present)

• In summer 2022, the club was forced to leave its long-term Cape Harbour location due to private development/redevelopment of the site.
• It moved to a temporary home on the “Third of the Seven Islands” off Old Burnt Store Road (southwest Cape Coral). This site is described as less ideal due to conditions like steep shores or limited accessibility in some reports.
• The club has been seeking a permanent, suitable waterfront home for several years, citing the need for safe launch access, boat storage, and training space without heavy taxpayer costs for modifications.

Connection to Tropicana Park and Recent Developments

Since around 2020, the club pursued space at the planned Tropicana Park (a city waterfront neighborhood park with kayak launch and water access features). City approvals in principle were discussed, but the issue became controversial due to resident concerns over shared public space, safety, traffic, and noise. In early 2026, a proposed license agreement for the club to use a designated portion of the park for operations failed on a tied City Council vote (April 2026), leaving its future uncertain. The club has warned it may need to dissolve or “liquidate” without a viable home, as its current temporary site is not sustainable long-term. Supporters highlight its nonprofit, youth-focused mission and low-cost community benefits; opponents prioritize open public park use.

Overall, the club has operated for nearly 19 years (as of 2026), teaching hundreds of local students and adults. It positions itself as a low-impact, fiscally responsible community asset that aligns with Cape Coral’s waterways. Its history reflects both growth in a rowing-friendly area and ongoing challenges related to waterfront access amid local development and public land debates.

For the most current details, check the club’s official site (rowccrc.org) or recent local coverage from WINK News, Gulf Coast News, or the Cape Coral Breeze.

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