Groups pitch ideas for aquarium, amphitheater, botanical gardens and dog parks at Cape Chamber event

An aquarium, an outdoor amphitheater, botanical gardens and a dog park were all suggested by this year's Leadership Cape class as projects to improve the quality of life in Cape Girardeau.

Leadership Cape participants presented the proposals during the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee at the Show Me Center on Friday.

Each year, participants in Leadership Cape are divided into teams, then challenged to come up with a working plan for projects they believe will enhance the city.

Leadership Cape, a program of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, is designed to identify, motivate and train emerging community leaders.

Aquarium

Two groups presented slightly different plans for an aquarium and IMAX theater complex.

Having a river museum and aquarium near the riverfront was as a goal of the city's Downtown Strategic Plan created through the DREAM Initiative and adopted in 2009.

The group studied similar aquariums in Cincinnati, Chattanooga, Tenn., and Dubuque, Iowa, said Randy Kluge, a member of the Cape Girardeau Exploration Center team.

This team's plans also included an exhibit hall that could host Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibits or be used for special events and conferences.

The second team to propose an aquarium/IMAX concept, Team Wet & Wild, incorporated exhibits on the Mississippi River ecosystems, swamps and man's battle over the years with the river. Plans included a touch pool and an interactive play area with timed water spouts.

"An aquarium would be a great attraction to add to other attractions we already have in Cape Girardeau such as the Conservation Nature Center, Trail of Tears and Discovery Playhouse," said Brian Hukel, member of Team Wet & Wild.

Kluge estimated startup costs for such a facility at $12 million to $16 million.

Amphitheater

Having an outdoor amphitheater in Cape Girardeau would enrich the cultural experience for both residents and visitors, said Garrett Ozbun of Team Get Amp'd.

"There is nothing permanent in Cape Girardeau where you an really enjoy the outdoors and performing arts," he said.

It would be a flexible venue, he said, and could host local musical acts, theater groups and worship celebrations as well as national touring groups.

Team Get Amp'd's presentation included video interviews with Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger, parks and recreation director Julia Thompson and Southeast Missouri State University president Dr. Ken Dobbins expressing support for the project.

Botanical gardens

River City Gardens and Living Museum, where people and plants can learn and grow, was proposed by Team Grow Wild.

This botanical garden would include an agricultural display, science and organic gardens and a working pioneer farm.

"This would give visitors a chance to step back and experience life just as they did in the 1800s," said Jerri Coleman, team Grow Wild member.

The facility would also use "green technology," be a walkable and bikeable site, and include an indoor exhibit space.

Start up costs for a 30-acre garden with a 50,000-square-foot building were estimated at $5 to $10 million, with the facility expected to bring 500,000 visitors per year.

Dog park

Team K-9 Companions suggested converting the city's Delaware Park into a dog park. Funds for a dog park are already included in the city's capital improvement plan, said group member Jason Flohrs.

Delaware Park is near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Old Sprigg Street.

The Delaware Dog Park would not be staffed, and people would be required to follow a set of rules, including picking up after their pets.

Over the years, several Leadership Cape projects have been implemented, including Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center and Discovery Playhouse.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent Address:

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO