Cape Coral is considering a new name for a controversial park; here’s how you can apply

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — The City of Cape Coral received a formal request Thursday to change the name of Jaycee Park to Roger Dean Park.

A city spokesman said that in the past three years,

“…this is the first such proposal that our office has been made aware of. While we do not have specific data on how frequently we receive such proposals, it is not a common occurrence.”

YOUR NAME HERE: Cape Coral is considering a new name for a controversial park; here’s how you can apply

The city’s Code of Ordinances says that anyone can apply if they meet the city’s requirements:

1. A community organization that has been in existence for at least three years. Community organizations include, but are not limited to, advisory boards, community foundations, chambers of commerce, charitable service clubs, and youth associations; or

2. An individual only when such request is accompanied by at least one of the following elements:

to. A petition of support with at least 200 signatures. Petitions must state intent and include the printed names, signatures, addresses, zip codes, and phone numbers of each signer as proof of residency. Only Cape Coral residents 18 years of age or older may be considered legitimate signatures on such petitions.

b. Letters of support, articles, and other evidence demonstrating broad community support for the application, including at least one letter of recommendation from community representatives, such as a community organization (HOA/Civic Association).

do. Documentation of that person’s significance and good standing in the history of the city, state, or nation. As part of the application, written documentation of approval from the next of kin to be honored (if available or possible) is required. The submission must include justification for the proposed name, including how the name meets the criteria of this policy.

On Thursday, people who have been fighting to save Jaycee Park told Fox 4 Cape Coral Community Correspondent Colton Chavez that anyone can rename the park whatever they want, but they only have one request.

“Maybe she wants to save him and if that’s the case then I’m all for it,” said Kathy Lopez, a member of the Save Jaycee Park group.

Saving Jaycee Park has been Kathy Lopez’s message since the city announced it would renovate the park in 2023.

“My first thought was, what a dishonest way to get free publicity for your car dealership,” Lopez said.

On Thursday, Jeff Schwartz was walking his dog in the park.

“Who is this guy, Dean? What has he done for the city? What has he done for the park?” Schwartz asked.

Roger Dean opened the first car lot in Cape Coral in 1990.

The dealership has also sponsored many community events over the past 30 years.

“I bought my car from them,” Lopez said.

On Thursday, people like Anne Berchtold questioned why the city council was considering the name change.

“I’m really starting to wonder what the council wants to do with the park name change,” Berchtold said.

The Cape Coral City Council will have the final say on the park’s name change, but before then, the city manager will gather and deliver to the council all of the people’s written comments.

These comments must be mailed to the City’s Parks and Recreation Director by October 3, 2024.

Some families said that to support the change, some things in the park should stay the same.

“If he was working to preserve some nature here… uhmm, sure,” Schwartz said.

We reached out to the Dean family for that response, and you can submit your written feedback to the city here:

Director of Parks and Recreation
1015 Cultural Park Boulevard.
Cape Coral, Florida, 33990