Cape Evening Optimist Club dedicates pavilion at Arena Park

The Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist Club dedicated a picnic pavilion at Arena Park on Friday. The pavilion, which is valued at $35,000, was constructed by the parks and recreation department with materials donated by the club.

The pavilion is the second of its kind donated by the Optimists. It is dedicated to longtime member Gene Kasten and will have a plaque and a picture of the man who has been a 30-year club member.

"I had no idea; it was quite a surprise. I guess it's because I'm such a longtime member," Kasten said. "This is an old organization. It started in 1926 as 'friend of the boy'; now it is friend of youth. So these donations are just a part of that."

The pavilion sits at the north end of the park -- next to the basketball courts -- and is fitted with wooden picnic tables and a barbecue pit.

-- Southeast Missourian