PARK BOARD HEARS PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP CAPE ROCK PARK

Martin Robinson wants visitors to Cape Girardeau to have a better view of the river city.

He proposes that Cape Rock Park be further developed to let people "know they are looking at the river."

Robinson presented his plan to the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Monday night.

The Parks and Recreation board recently adopted its master plan for park development.

The plan covers a 15-year span and assessed growth issues, future development and buying new land.

The plan has yet to be adopted by the Cape Girardeau City Council but should be considered soon, as officials review an overall facilities plan for the city.

Martin thinks the park area along East Cape Rock Drive by the city's water plant would be "a great asset to the city" and just needs development.

The city already owns the acreage, he said.

He said visitors often go to the park because it has the best vantage point for seeing the Mississippi River but that often they think it is only an observation point.

"The Mississippi River is something great for this country and that makes our town important," he said. "We have the scenic value of the river."

There are few places to get a clear view of the river that aren't hampered by underbrush and tree lines.

Robinson proposed that a walking trail be created along Cape Rock Drive between the scenic overlook and the water plant.

There are already adjoining areas of land dedicated to wildlife and natural areas, he said.

"This park has real possibilities for the city," he said. Tables and benches could be added for people to picnic near a trail that would lead from the existing park area down to the river and back up the hill.

"You have to look at the benefits not just the expense," he said.

Parks director Dan Muser said a trail has been mapped out on the area but never truly proposed by the board.

He suggested the board table the matter until staff could study the feasibility of such a project.

"We certainly don't want to jump into it," he said.

In other business, the board:

• Accepted a proposal from the SEMO Fair Board Association for construction of a permanent building at Arena Park.

The building would be used as a show arena and sales barn during the SEMO District Fair. Currently, temporary tents are brought in for the show arena during livestock sales.

The clear-span building would be constructed on the south side of the park near the existing FFA barns. Construction could be completed before this year's fair, said Pete Poe of the fair board.

Much of the cost of the building would be paid by the fair association, although a donation has been made by Bank of America for the seed money, said Fred Higdon, who is also a fair board member.

Muser said the building would not impact the use of the park and thought the site a suitable location.