Home Departments Parks & Recreation About Us

General Information

Looking to learn more about Cape Coral Parks & Recreation and how you can get involved?

Click on any of the links below for more details on that topic and scroll down to view all general information.

* About Us
* Park Rules
* Program Registration / Policies
* Facility Rentals
* Gift Cards
* Parks & Rec Directory
* Park Rangers
* Employment / Volunteering
* Master Plan

ABOUT US

The mission of the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department is to provide a wide range of recreational programs for individuals of various ages, skill levels, interests, social needs, and economic capabilities that collectively enhance the overall quality of life within the City of Cape Coral.

Cape Coral Parks and Recreation provides services for citizens and visitors throughout the City. Consisting of more than 39 locations (1,595 acres), the Department features waterfront parks, playgrounds, athletic complexes, community centers, tennis amenities, a youth center and skate park, boat ramps, and a premier public golf course (Coral Oaks Golf Course). Programs, classes, and special events are planned year-round for all ages, abilities, and interests. Many special events are produced annually, both by the Department and in cooperation with community partners.

The Department manages various cultural, recreational, and specialty facilities along with numerous neighborhood parks. For a complete park/facility listing and map, visit the Parks List & Map page or go to the "Recreation Facilities" tab to learn more information about the location of your choice.

Back to top of page

PARK RULES
The Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department has a set of Ordinances, Chapter 12 1/2, that provide rules and regulations for parks and facilities, including:

Parking - No parking in handicap spaces without a placard or any fire zone.

Hours of Operation - Parks open at sunrise and close at sunset, except for pre-approved activities.

Alcoholic Beverages - Alcohol is not permitted in any park unless pre-permitted for a City-approved event.

Swimming - Swimming is only permitted in designated swim areas.

Skateboarding – Skateboarding is not permitted in any park except Eagle Skatepark.

No Smoking/Vaping – In consideration of the children, smoking and vaping are not permitted around playgrounds, bleachers, concession areas, or shelters.

Golf – Golfing is not permitted in any of the parks except Coral Oaks Golf Course.

Animals - Animals are not allowed on Coral Oaks Golf Course or permitted in athletic parks, playgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, nature trails, boardwalks, or piers. There is a doggie park, Wagging Tails Dog Park, located at Rotary Park, for our four-legged friends.

Back to top of page

PROGRAM REGISTRATION / POLICIES
The Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of quality programming throughout the year for people of all ages; however, many programs require advanced registration. The quickest and easiest way to check availability and reserve your space is to go to Register Online and follow the instructions below:

Click on the "Browse Activities" Quick Link, then restrict your search based on the available criteria OR simply enter the Activity Number (if known)

Alternate option: Select one of the category boxes to check availability.

Note: To locate Sun Splash and Special Event tickets, click on the "Search" tab in the top navigation bar and choose "Ticket Search."

Add desired selections to your shopping cart by logging in first with your User Name & Password or create a new account.

Confirm selection with a checkmark (if needed) and complete questions/waivers to place selection in Shopping Cart.

Once all desired selections appear in the cart, proceed to "Check Out" to enter payment information. All major credit cards are accepted.

Please note: The registration process is not complete until all waivers and release forms are submitted.

Additional Ways to Register for Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Programs Include:

Walk-In Registration: Visit either the recreation facility where your selected program is being held or the Parks & Recreation counter in Cape Coral City Hall during regular operating hours to check availability, complete paperwork, and submit full payment for the programs of your choice.

Call-In Registration: Before calling the recreation facility hosting your program, please have ALL registration information and your credit card number ready. MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express are accepted. Note: Call-in registration is not available for Athletic leagues (except Tennis) and other select programs/classes.

Registration Policies / Important Information:

Insurance / Waiver & Release Forms

There is an inherent risk when participating in certain recreational activities. The Parks & Recreation Department does not carry medical accident insurance for injuries or illnesses sustained during its programs. Before participation, all persons must sign a waiver and release form, and online registrants will also be required to agree to “terms” as part of the checkout process. The absence of personal medical insurance coverage does not make the City of Cape Coral responsible for paying a participant’s medical expenses.

Class Cancellations / Refund Policy

Activity fees must be paid in full at the time of program registration. The Parks & Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel or combine programs and change the time, date, instructor, or location of a program or activity if necessary. If your program is changed or canceled, you will be notified and issued a complete refund if you do not find a comparable program. Refunds will not be given for days missed within a session, unused snack money (Youth Services), on Citywide Special Events, or for programs that are canceled due to an act of nature. Additional refund requests must be submitted in writing to the pertinent program supervisor.

Privacy Policy

The personal and private information collected by the Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department from any individual(s) is intended for the sole use of the City of Cape Coral. Such information will not be sold or distributed to other persons or agencies without the individual(s)'s written permission, except as required by law. If information is provided to any other person or agency according to any legal requirement, the City will advise the individual(s) of the disclosure.

Photographs and Videos

Photographs and videos are taken to use for promotional purposes. By registering for a program or utilizing a recreational facility or park, you have permitted us to use your image for promotional purposes.

Back to top of page

FACILITY RENTALS
Looking for a unique place to hold your next business meeting, birthday party, family reunion, wedding, or other special event? Look no further! The Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department has accommodations in various sizes and locations to meet your needs.

The Recreation Centers & Attractions that currently offer room/facility rentals include:

Please visit the individual park web pages for more information about the different options, capacities, rental rates, and policies, then contact the appropriate facility to determine room availability. Regardless of the selected location, all appropriate paperwork must be completed and deposits paid in full to secure reservations.

In addition to facility rentals, the Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department has picnic shelters in several parks that can be reserved for smaller gatherings. Please see the Park Shelter Reservations page for more details.

Back to top of page

GIFT CARDS
Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Gift Cards are available for purchase in the amount of your choice ($10 minimum) at our various recreation centers and the Parks & Recreation counter at City Hall (1015 Cultural Park Blvd).

Once activated, gift cards can conveniently be redeemed like cash at our recreational facilities. Let your recipient choose whether to hit the links at Coral Oaks Golf Course, take a class at the Cape Coral Art Center or Four Freedoms Park, go on a senior excursion with Lake Kennedy Center or choose from a wide array of fun activities offered through the Parks & Recreation Department. To obtain the upcoming schedule of events, see the current Parks & Recreation Program Guide.

A gift of fun is always a good choice! For additional information about gift cards, please call (239) 573-3128 or contact the desired recreation center directly.

Back to top of page

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTORY

Joe Petrella, Parks & Recreation Director	(239) 573-3110
Cape Coral Art Center	(239) 574-0802
Coral Oaks Golf Course	(239) 573-3100
Environmental Recreation	(239) 549-4606
Four Freedoms Park	(239) 574-0804
Lake Kennedy Center	(239) 242-3972
Marine Services	(239) 574-0809
Pops Cafe Restaurant	(239) 573-3132
Special Events	(239) 573-3121
Special Populations	(239) 573-3144
Wm Austen Youth Center	(239) 242-3952

Back to top of page

PARK RANGERS

The City of Cape Coral employs several friendly, and helpful Park Rangers entrusted to protect and preserve the city’s parklands and boat launch ramps. Cape Coral has a diverse landscape for park grounds that include: neighborhood parks, community parks, waterparks, marinas and boat ramps, beaches, athletic complexes, and environmental and natural parks.

The Park Rangers patrol all these park sites from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. seven days a week. The Rangers are responsible for helping to provide information, instructions, and interpretation of park ordinances and rules to visitors. Additionally, Park Rangers issue citations, report vandalism and property damage perform traffic control and assist with special event security and crowd control.

Back to top of page

EMPLOYMENT / VOLUNTEERING
Work where you play! The City of Cape Coral’s Parks & Recreation Department is always looking for friendly, dependable people of all ages and skill levels to fill contract, part-time and full-time positions and volunteer positions at its various facilities. This includes lifeguards, water safety staff, maintenance workers and camp counselors, guest services staff, food & beverage workers, and special event staff.

Whether you are looking for some extra spending cash or a lifelong career, the City of Cape Coral's Parks & Recreation Department may have the perfect job!

---> View the City of Cape Coral's Current Employment Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities:
Would you like to get more involved in the community, meet new people, accumulate volunteer hours, or simply help? Several great opportunities are available throughout the year for friendly and enthusiastic individuals and groups of all ages to volunteer their time and talents to the Parks & Recreation Department. You can choose to volunteer for a one-time special event or become a more regular volunteer at one of our recreational facilities.

Guidelines
All individuals must be 16 years or older to register as volunteer staff. Volunteers who have not reached the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian before volunteering and will under no circumstances be allowed to operate power tools.

How to Register as a Volunteer:
1. Complete the online Volunteer Application below
2. Registrants typically receive an acceptance email within 24-48 hours of submitting the application
3. Questions may be directed to ccpks@capecoral.gov or (239)-573-3128
Listed below are a few volunteer opportunities for your consideration and corresponding phone numbers:

Parks & Recreation Division	Phone	Volunteer Opportunities
Cape Coral Art Center	574-0802	Help staff with various art-related projects; Art background preferred
Coral Oaks Golf Course	573-3100	Serve as a golf cart attendant, ranger, driving range picker, etc.
Lake Kennedy Center	574-0575	Assist with set-up &/or clean-up of dinner shows/special events; Front desk & light clerical assistance; Decorating for the holidays
Marine Services	574-0809	Assist boaters with marine-related functions, hurricane prep, marine sanitation practices, office assistance, education regarding sea life such as manatees, sawfish and turtles, etc.
Rotary Park Environmental Center	549-4606	Assist with nature trail clean-up & other environmental-related projects special
Special Populations Center	574-0574	Help people with developmental disabilities engage in craft workshops, cooking classes, dances, bowling & other activities
Special Events Division	573-3123	Assist at city-wide special events (i.e., Coconut Festival, Bike Night) with registration, ticket sales, food service, merchandising, etc.
Tony Rotino Center	574-0807	Act as an instructor teaching a special skill
Youth Center / Skate Park	242-3950	Assist staff with planning & facilitating youth programs and activities

Back to top of page

MASTER PLAN

Parks Master Plan 2016

After working with a contracted consultant, Barth Associates, and conducting various workshops, surveys, and focus groups over several months, the 2016 Parks Master Plan was officially adopted by Council on December 12, 2016.

---> Click here for information on the Parks GO Bond projects to be included with the approved funding and an anticipated timeline for completion.