A community working for play

Friends of the Parks Day beautifies places of leisure

By Scott Moyers ~ Southeast Missourian

For Tracey Mohdzain and her 6-year-old daughter, Jasmine, Capaha Park is normally a place of leisure, whether they're feeding the ducks, playing on the swings or enjoying a family picnic by the lagoon.

But on Saturday, the Mohdzains were at the park for a much different purpose -- to work.

Along with more than 300 other volunteers, the Mohdzains spent a drizzly, cold Saturday morning sprucing up the park as part of the annual Friends of the Parks Day. The volunteers visited many of the city's 23 parks, planting flowers, picking up trash and spreading mulch.

"I like helping keeping the park clean because this is where I play," said Jasmine, who rather efficiently smoothed the pile of mulch with a small rake and mom's help at the Tot Lot.

Hands got muddy, backsides got wet and knees were grass-stained as families, individuals and groups worked together alongside city employees to get the parks in better condition as the busy summer months approach.

One group huddled near the corner of Broadway and Perryville, planting flowers. Teen-agers chatted while putting garbage in black trash bags. Young girls giggled as they took a break from picking up litter to swing.

"It's become a community event," parks director Dan Muser said. "People come out here to work, but they also come out because it gives people a chance to be together."

No painting

In its 17th year, Friends of the Parks Day typically draws between 400 and 500 people. On Saturday, the rain prevented painting and no doubt kept some away, but Muser said the turnout of 300 was impressive.

"These people could have been doing anything, it's their day off," Muser said. "But they chose to come out and do this with us. It shows they care about their parks. I'd call this a darn good turnout."

Muser said he's never estimated how much the free labor saves the city, but he said it's not about that.

"It is a benefit, obviously. But it's more about bringing people together," Muser said. "It gives them a sense of ownership."

Muser said the event, which was attended by many children, also raises awareness for youngsters.

"If they're out here taking care of the park at an early age, they'll put trash in the trash cans instead of throwing it on the ground," he said.

Whether it was because of the firm request of parents or a genuine desire to help, those who attended said it was a good experience.

"Just being outside doing stuff was good for me," said 12-year-old Josh Scarbough, who came with his church's youth group to plant flowers. "For me it's fun to help and just be out of the house."

Calvin Hoffman, 16, came out with the Junior Optimist Club. He helped spread mulch and pick up trash.

"I don't know," he said, shrugging. "I just thought it'd be nice to help out for a change."

Chris O'Kelly, 16, also was helping out with the trash pickup.

"We're not getting paid or anything," O'Kelly said. "It's just good to do something that helps people."

Rocky Hayes brought out his wife and son.

"We should help," said Hayes, an urban forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation. "We use the park. It's a place we've brought our kids since they were babies. This is a way of giving back. And it helps kids appreciate it more if they have a vested interest. If they see how much hard work goes into it, they'll work harder to keep it clean."

Mathew Yuede's explanation was more simple.

"I just like to do it, and it's fun," he said.

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137