Cape Parks and Rec Day aims to get children involved in recreation

Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation will team with the Southeast Missourian Jr. to help get children involved and interested in recreational activity.

The 11th annual Cape Girardeau Parks and Rec Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Osage Centre. The event was created more than a decade ago by the Southeast Missourian Jr. and the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department as an event for children. Parks and Rec Day draws 800 to 1,000 people annually for a day of free activities, food and fun. Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation coordinator Stacey Welter said because July is national parks and recreation month, it is the perfect time to hold Parks and Rec Day.

"We try to get children involved with recreation and being more active. We want this event to show children how getting out there and participating in different stuff is fun," Welter said. "And we use the fun to educate them about health and how important our parks are in the community."

Activities and vendors participating in this year's event include a petting zoo by Lazy L Safari, a blow-up obstacle course with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, free Dairy Queen ice cream, free Good Humor popsicles and "Bingo for Books," an activity presented by the Southeast Missourian Jr. There are around 25 vendors.

"We've brought our three boys out the last couple of years, and they always have such a great time. We tell all the parents we know about it," said Eliza Hinkle of Cape Girardeau. "I think it has made our kids want to get outside and run around. And I enjoy the event, too."

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri will be bringing ready-to-adopt animals, and those who make a donation to the Humane Society will be registered to win St. Louis Cardinals tickets, admission to the Magic House in St. Louis, St. Louis Science Center tickets and more. Welter said the Southeast Missourian Jr.'s mascot, a dog named Tracker, inspired organizers to include the Humane Society in the event.

Parks and Rec Day will also have a gaming area, crafting and a toddler turf area. Welter said although the event is designed around children, there is fun for all ages.

"We'll have air hockey, a Nintendo Wii, and parents can watch as the children have a blast," Welter said. "We really want entire families to get involved here because everyone can enjoy our parks and recreational activities."

Cape Splash will be following up Parks and Rec Day with free children's admission with a paying adult to the water park from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information on Parks and Rec Day, contact the Osage Centre at 339-6342 or Cheryl Ellis with the Southeast Missourian Jr. at 388-2785.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO