Meeting to address parks' role in growth

A forum focusing on the benefit of parks in communities will be hosted from 9 to 10 a.m. today at the Osage Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau.

The event, titled "Parks Build Community," is hosted by the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department and the Missouri Park and Recreation Association. Jan Neitzert, executive director of the MPRA, will lead a discussion on the important role parks and recreation play in improving a community's quality of life and economic effect. Also participating in the event will be John Mehner, president and CEO of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce; Chuck Martin, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Burea; Scott Meyer, Cape Girardeau city manager; and Southeast Missouri State University recreation professor Dr. Tom Holman.

The event is free and open to the public. Additional information is available by contacting the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department at 339-6340.

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.