*** Please note donations DO NOT go to Cape Coral Rowing Club, do not feel obligated to donate after signing (they go to the petition provider: Change.org) ***

📣 Petition Summary:
The Cape Coral Rowing Club should be allowed to remain at Tropicana Park.

A recent City Council vote was split 4–4—half supporting keeping the club at the Tropicana Park location, and half supporting relocation to Crystal Lake, a location that does not support the sport.

This is not just about location—this is about preserving a valuable community asset.

The Cape Coral Rowing Club is a non-profit organization developing local youth through discipline, teamwork, and dedication. Athletes train 4+ days per week, compete across the state, and earn scholarships to top institutions—including Stetson University and MIT.

They represent Cape Coral with pride.

🚣‍♂️ Why Staying at Tropicana Park Matters

1. Crystal Lake Is Not a Viable Alternative

• There is no safe, viable path to access the water and launch the boats at Crystal Lake, and creating one would take years and cost hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars—when a purpose-built solution already exists at Tropicana Park that taxpayers have already funded for safe club and public use
• The slope is 12'-15' high and loaded with riprap and mangroves
• ➡️ Relocation would make proper training impossible and could shut the program down



2. This Club Strengthens Our Community

• Youth-focused, non-profit program

• Builds discipline, accountability, and teamwork

• Produces college opportunities and scholarships

• Offers one of the only rowing programs south of Sarasota on the Gulf Coast

• Encourages healthy, outdoor, environmentally friendly activity

 

3. This Is About Fairness


• Other recreational groups are not required to hide equipment behind walls

• The rowing club is being held to a different and unreasonable standard

• The club has already shown willingness to compromise with responsible buffering and improvements



4. The Real Concern—Aesthetics—Has a Simple Solution

Let’s be honest: this issue is not about safety, environment, or community impact.

It’s about visibility and not wanting to share waterways.

And in Florida, the aesthetics is easily addressed with:

• Natural landscaping

• Privacy hedges (Clusia and native plants)
• Thoughtful site design


➡️ A reasonable solution exists without forcing relocation

5. Protect Shared Use of Our Waterways


Cape Coral’s waterways belong to everyone.



The rowing club represents:


• Non-motorized, environmentally friendly use

• Safe, structured activity

• Positive community engagement


➡️ This is exactly the kind of use we should be encouraging—not pushing out  


⚖️ The Decision Ahead


With the vote currently tied, the final decision is still to be made—and strong community support can help ensure the right outcome.



This comes down to a simple question: Do we support youth development, teamwork, and the positive shared use of our waterways…
or push it out over the possibility of seeing stored boats amongst the new large development?  


✅ Our Request


We respectfully ask the City of Cape Coral to:

• Allow the Cape Coral Rowing Club to remain at Tropicana Park
• Approve reasonable solutions for screening and buffering to ensure the area is visually appropriate and well-integrated into the park.
• Support a program that has already proven its value to the community  


🙌 Show Your Support


If you believe Cape Coral should invest in its youth, protect positive community programs, and support shared use of our waterways—please sign this petition.
Again, no need to donate; donations DO NOT go to the Cape Coral Rowing Club.

We know our community, committee, and Mayor all want what’s best for our youth—and we believe that means prioritizing solutions that allow this program to continue to grow and succeed.
  


🔗 Learn More (see the recent news article):
https://www.winknews.com/news/wink_listens/cape-coral-rowing-clubs-future-at-stake/article_66fc04ab-94d1-4dd2-9519-aacb0c3be6b9.html