Yacht Club Master Plan
One of the key components for improvements to the City's existing park system within the Parks Master Plan is the reevaluation and redesign of the Yacht Club Community Park. This popular park, which is located along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River on the southeastern tip of the city, is one of the gems of Cape Coral's park system and provides residents and visitors of Cape Coral with a wide variety of recreational and cultural opportunities. Diversity of uses within the Yacht Club Community Park include, but are not limited to: a beach, pier, swimming pool, community center, senior center, boat ramp, marina, and tennis courts; however, the relative compact size and wide range of uses often result in conflicts between uses within the park and in the vicinity of the park, in the form of park overcrowding and inefficient use of space.
The City's pursuit of a master plan for the Yacht Club Community Park is a proactive step to assure that the citizens of Cape Coral receive the highest value and greatest use of this gem in the City's park system by maximizing the waterfront features and other recreational opportunities, while assuring surrounding neighborhood compatibility.
Based on the findings of the Parks Master Plan, the Yacht Club Community Park Master Plan will address and respond to the following issues:
- Park Functional Issues
Location and condition of park uses and amenities, traffic circulation, parking, and infrastructure;
- Park Uses
Appropriateness of existing uses, a focus on water-dependent/related uses, expansion of the park to include recently acquired lands on Floridian Court and Dolphin Drive, and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods;
- Park Identity
Distinct entry to the park, enhancement of park aesthetics, and definition of the park’s relationship to the Caloosahatchee River.
The development of the Yacht Club Community Park Master Plan is a two-phase process. Phase One, which took place from 2005-2006, included an inventory and assessment of the existing park, the gathering of public input and comments regarding the future of the Yacht Club Community Park, and preparation of a conceptual master plan. The three concepts initially presented by the contracted firm, WadeTrim, are shown below:
The second phase of the project includes refining the conceptual master plan and providing specific recommendations for changes and improvements, including cost estimates and a schedule for completion of the changes and improvements. Upon completion of Phase Two, the plan will be submitted to the Cape Coral City Council for discussion, adjustments, and approval.