KEEPING THE KIDS ACTIVE

When the excitement surrounding the holidays begins to wane, children on Christmas vacation often voice that all-too-familiar complaint that "there's nothing to do."

The complaint may seem louder to mothers and fathers this year as most area schools are out for an entire two weeks, leaving frazzled parents nervously wondering what to do with their children that will keep the kids out of trouble, but that they will enjoy.

In summer, they could play outside in the sun and spend their stored-up energy. In winter, they risk illness by being out in the cold, damp weather.

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department may offer some relief to parents who have grown weary of their children complaining about being bored.

The Central Municipal Pool, located at Central High School offers Parent Appreciation Days for those days when the kids are out of school. In fact, any time the Cape Girardeau Public Schools are not in session because of school breaks, the pool -- known as the Bubble -- will be open beginning at 1 p.m.

On Monday, Tuesday and Friday, the pool will be open until 8 p.m. On the weekends, the pool will keep its regular 1 - 5 p.m. schedule. The pool will be closed New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

In addition to areas exclusively for swimming and diving, the Olympic size pool also offers areas for playing basketball and volleyball in the water. The water temperature is held constantly between 80 and 84 degrees; air temperature is about 86.

Admission to the pool is $1 for children 13 and under, and $2 for anyone 14 or older.

For children who want physical activity, but don't want to get wet in the process, the new Osage Community Centre will be open for its first holiday season this year.

The center offers a gymnasium with two full basketball courts, four basketball goals and a volleyball court. Basketballs and volleyballs are available for those wanting to play.

The weight room is also available, with a wide selection of free weights and machines available. The center does caution, however, that children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult before entering the weight room.

Hours for the Osage Community Centre will be the same as usual during the holiday week. Today they will be open from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. On Saturday, the center will be open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday hours are from noon - 9. Monday through Thursday the center is open from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

The only changes in their regular hours will be on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, the center will close at 5 p.m. rather than 10 p.m. On New Year's Day, the center will not open until noon. It will remain open until 10 p.m.

Admission to the Osage Community Centre is $1 for the gym and weight room.

Parents wishing for more information about the Osage Community Centre may call 334-2859. Those wishing for pool information may call the Bubble at 335-4040. The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department may be reached at 335-5421.