Melaina's Magical Playland united a community

I attended the official ribbon cutting of Melaina's Magical Playland on Sept. 27. The playground was crowded with enthusiastic children and supportive adults who wanted to get a first look at this large new venue in Cape County Park North. This is a great facility that will serve children and youth well for many years. It was designed for access and to serve children with special needs but to be enjoyed by all children.

This was a concept designed with the vision and tenacity of Andrea and Jeff Cunningham. This facility gives our city, county and region an additional venue for parents to access as they seek to educate and entertain their children. We are fortunate to have venues such as Discovery Playhouse, Cape Splash, the Cape Girardeau Public Library, and others that serve that same purpose.

The event that evening also gave the committee an opportunity to recognize individuals, service clubs and government entities that gave major financial support to this nearly $1 million project. Judge Scott Lipke and the Cunninghams related many observations about the project as they awarded donor plaques.

I am a member of Cape West Rotary, which was a major sponsor of the project. Our plaque was accepted by our current president, Derieck Hodges. His comments were spot on, and I have Derieck's permission to share his email about this event that he forwarded to all Cape West Rotary members.

"Last Friday was a great day for our community. Melaina's Magical Playland opened for the first time and it changes the landscape in Cape County Park North, and in the lives of so many people. The vision of Jeff and Andrea Cunningham to honor their daughter united the City of Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, various service clubs, churches, individuals and families. Jeff and Andrea's vision is now reality and Melaina would be proud.

"Our club was recognized for its support. You should be proud of your efforts and I encourage you to stop by and see what became of them. Melaina's Magical Playland is amazing. It's like nothing else in our area. When I first arrived at the park I saw a young child in a wheelchair making her way around the various activities. Her head was turning back and forth not sure which activity to go to next. How will Melaina's Magical Playland change her life? How has it already changed our lives and those of our fellow citizens? Two grieving parents started something to honor a child and help people with special needs. In the process they united a community to do something that will have an impact for generations to come. Our community is different today because of one couple's vision and a community that joined with them. Service above self is something Cape Girardeau knows a lot about as evidenced with this project."

Thanks, Derieck, for your leadership within our club and throughout our community. Your comments reflect the feelings of all involved in this tremendous project.

Once again, my personal heartfelt thank you to Jeff and Andrea for their vision and dedication.

Harry Rediger is the mayor of Cape Girardeau.