Parks proposes Crystal Lake storage site for dragon boat club; council asks for buffering plan

Parks and Recreation on April 8 presented a proposal to allow the Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club to use a portion of Crystal Lake Park for long‑term storage of boat trailers and trolleys.

Parks Director Joe Petrella said staff had identified an unassigned parcel at Crystal Lake on the northeast side of the boat ramp and outlined a slightly enlarged footprint (roughly 65 by 55 feet) to allow future growth. He said the site provides safe access to the city's canal system and that the 2016 master plan and 2026 preliminary priorities support boating facilities.

Petrella and councilmembers discussed operational details: the club would store boats on wheeled dollies and trailers and use a trolley system to move boats to the ramp. Petrella said past presentations to council had covered club accomplishments and that staff would return with any agreement language the council requested.

Council members asked about term length, parking, and neighborhood sightlines; several said they favored the Crystal Lake site provided the club commits to buffering. Estimates presented in the meeting placed hedging and landscaping at several thousand dollars for an 80‑foot run, while panel or slatted fencing and decorative options carried higher prices depending on wind resilience and maintenance considerations.

Council asked staff to include buffering or fencing requirements in any future term sheet and to return with a proposed agreement for council consideration.