Cape, Jackson asking for volunteers to help parks Saturday

Every year, the cities of Jackson and Cape Girardeau reach out to residents for help sprucing up parks with a day of volunteer work.

Unfailingly, people respond by showing up in droves to help with planting, painting and more.

The annual event is known as Park Day in Jackson and Friends of the Parks and the Great Cape Cleanup in Cape Girardeau. Jackson pulled in 160 volunteers last year and averages about 150 to 200 people each year, said parks and recreation director Shane West Anderson. Reports from the city of Cape Girardeau peg its average attendance at 400 to 500 volunteers citywide.

There are some concerns that participation could be down this year if the weather is uncooperative. Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service was predicting showers and thunderstorms in Cape Girardeau County on Saturday, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation.

Jackson's event begins at 8 a.m. at Shelter 1 in City Park on Parkview Street. All participants will be offered a free T-shirt and lunch, served at 11 a.m. Those who cannot attend Saturday may call Jackson Parks and Recreation, 204-8848, for information on other ways to volunteer.

Anderson said volunteers will be asked to participate in "typical projects," including mulching and flower planting at the rose bushes, rock garden and other planter areas. Trash pickup will take place along Hubble Creek and across the entire parks system. Painting is another item on the list to tackle Saturday, weather permitting.

Cape Girardeau volunteers are asked to gather Saturday at Capaha Park, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Work projects begin at 9 a.m. and hot dogs, chips and soda will be provided for participants, along with a T-shirt. Groups or individuals should register by contacting the city's parks and recreation department at 339-6340.

During Friends of the Parks Day and the Great Cape Cleanup, volunteers may opt to spend their time beautifying specific locations such as businesses, schools or lawns.

Additional projects -- such as tree and flower planting, mulch, trash pickup and raking leaves -- will be available at city parks and properties.

Many of these projects will take place at Capaha Park, Indian Park, Kiwanis Park, May Greene Garden, Washington Park, Dennis Scivally Park, Groves Park, Cape Rock Park, Cape LaCroix Creek, Jaycee Municipal Golf Course, Riverfront Park and the general downtown area.

In both cities, people are encouraged to participate as individuals or as members of a group.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Jackson, Mo.

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Want to go?

Cape Girardeau Friends of the Park Day and Great Cape Cleanup

When: registration begins 8:30 a.m. and projects begin at 9 a.m. Saturday

Where: Capaha Park, 1400 Broadway St.

Cost: free

Jackson Park Day

When: 8 a.m. Saturday

Where: Shelter 1 at City Park, Parkview Street

Cost: free