Annual Parks and Rec Day to usher in fun

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department knows how to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month.

With games and ice cream, of course.

The department will host its annual Parks and Rec Day on Friday, when people of all ages can enjoy a petting zoo, obstacle courses, Nerf wars and ice cream. The best part, said recreation coordinator Cassie Essner, is it's all free.

She said those who previously have attended the event can expect to see just as many games and activities. It usually varies, depending on which vendors participate and what activities they wish to include, but Essner said there will be plenty of activities to keep children occupied throughout the afternoon.

One aspect will make this year's event stand out. Friday is also the first birthday of Playmo, official mascot of the city's parks and recreation department, who made his debut via helicopter at last year's Parks and Rec Day.

If the past is any indication, Essner said more than 800 children likely will participate in the events Friday. The variety of free activities has made it popular among parents and children alike.

It's also an opportunity for city departments to come together and interact with the community. Members of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department will bring a firetruck, and the Cape Girardeau Police Department will hand out free helmets to promote bicycle safety.

The parks and recreation department will have its own booth where parents can sign up and get free admission to Cape Splash for one child with the purchase of one adult admission. Essner said the voucher will be accepted from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday and must be presented for the free admission.

There also will be an opportunity to win prizes by bringing money, gift cards or food donations to the Humane Society.

The event, sponsored by the Southeast Missourian Jr. and the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department, will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Osage Centre. For more information, contact Essner at 339-6340 or cessner@cityofcapegirardeau.org.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.