Cape beach-building begins on Monday

The city of Cape Coral will begin construction Monday on its second public beach, this one at Four Freedoms Park.

The 16,000 square-foot beach will be constructed by CW Roberts Inc. and is expected to be completed in early February. The total cost is $48,785, with the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency contributing $41,785.

John Jacobsen, executive director for the CRA, said he’s looking forward to the completed project. He said that one of the things Cape Coral is lacking is more access to the waterfront.

“We are looking forward to getting this done and enjoying more activities in downtown,” Jacobsen said.

Jacobsen hopes this new project will be an attraction for people in the area and will help make downtown Cape Coral a destination. The new beach will also open up the park to water activites such as kayaking or small-craft sailing.

“The beach attracts new residents, new residents attract new businesses and new businesses create jobs and economic growth,” he said. “On any 70-degree day, you’ll see lots of people there.”

The project design will incorporate existing picnic shelters and landscaping while adding additional landscaping and access to Bimini Basin. Activities at the park will not be impacted, but the city warns visitors to be aware of the project and to maintain a safe distance from the work area.

City Councilman Marty McClain, who backed the project, is excited to break ground on the beach, which is only about three miles from the city’s other beach at the Yacht Club. He said he feels city officials took their time with making sure the project will run correctly and smoothly.

“It’s a great (addition) to the area. I think people will truly enjoy it,” McClain said.

McClain said the beach’s appeal will only grow as the city moves into the warmer months.

Joan and Tim Hanson, visitors from Connecticut, said the new beach will absolutely add to the area around the park. The couple said they already enjoy the beach area at the Yacht Club.

“We’d definitely come by to the new beach,” Joan Hanson said.

Elaine Elliott said she would use the new beach. She was visiting the park with her grandson to look for small sea animals in the exposed oyster beds.

“The kids have always liked it here,” Elliott said.

The response hasn’t been all positive.

Jim Mitchell, a Cape Coral resident, said, “I’ve been fishing here for 11 years and I enjoy it the way it is now.” He said he doesn’t understand why the city is spending the money with the Yacht Club nearby.

“I can’t comprehend why taxpayers’ money is being spent for a beach,” Mitchell said. “With that 40 or 50 thousand, it will hire a firefighter or a police officer for a year.”