CITY AWAITS NEW PARK FACILITIES

Jay Knudtson and Dan Muser like to talk about the newest Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation facilities to be available next year.

The Osage Park Community Center, a 33,728-square-foot building, is expected to be ready by the first of the year, and the new Shawnee Park Softball Complex and Concession Building will be ready for the 1997 spring season.

"We have already established a joint committee to set up criteria and rules for use of the facilities," said Knudtson, chairman of the Cape Girardeau Park Board. The committee includes members from the parks and recreation board and Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The center will serve both recreational and convention needs," said Knudtson.

The combined projects cost $5.3 million, with the Community Center accounting for more than half of the cost: $3.3 million.

Motel and restaurant tax money will be used to pay off bonds issued to finance the new facilities.

"We've already had inquiries concerning use of both facilities," said Muser, parks and recreation director. "Some softball tournaments have already been scheduled for next summer."

Although fees for the use of the Community Center have not been firmly established, the open floor space is expected to range from $800 to $1,200 a day.

The new center fills a void in Cape Girardeau, said Knudtson. The city's A.C. Brase Arena Building in Arena Park is too small for medium-sized conventions and the Show Me Center is too large.

The new building is expected to attract some major conventions, say Knudtson and Muser. The building can accommodate conventions of 1,500 to 2,000 people.

"It's definitely a premiere facility" said Muser.

The structure's location on North Kingshighway is also handy to Interstate 55.

Muser said the new building would not cut down on usage of the Arena Building. "I think the new building will attract new events," he said. "Even if some of the current Arena Building events transfer to the new building, we have a list of requests for Arena Building space."

The city is renting school and church gyms on a regular basis. "The new center will provide the city with needed space for basketball and volleyball leagues."

The Shawnee Park complex is on schedule.

Knudtson and other members of the park board recently toured the Shawnee Park Softball Complex.

"This will be one of the finest softball complexes in the state," said Knudtson. "The grass is growing in the outfields of the five-field complex, fences are up, and lights are in place to be installed."

With some minor work on the concession building, the complex will be ready within two months. "Everything will certainly be ready for the 1997 spring season," said Knudtson.

With five fields, the complex qualifies for Missouri State Softball Tournaments.

"With three more fields, we could qualify for national softball tournaments," said Muser. "And there is room for expansion."