Park clean-up days scheduled in Cape and Jackson

Cape Girardeau's annual Friends of the Park/Great Cape Clean Up Day will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21, with projects all over the city, but centered in Capaha Park, said Brock Davis, parks division manager with the city of Cape Girardeau.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Shelter 3 in Capaha Park.

"It's exciting for us," Davis said, adding this is the 33rd annual event.

Typically between 300 and 350 volunteers show up to help parks staff spruce up the parks, Davis said.

"There are a lot of projects we just don't have time to get to, for dealing with the bigger stuff," Davis said, adding the plan this year is to include planting flowers, remulching playground areas, even painting if weather permits.

Lunch and a t-shirt will be provided for volunteers, while supplies last, Davis said.

Jackson parks and recreation director Shane Anderson said Jackson's Park Day will be held April 28, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Shelter 1 in the city park.

"Of course, for me, every day is Park Day," Anderson said, laughing, but this year will mark the 27th recognized Park Day in Jackson.

"The running joke now is, 'If you need something watered, set it out on Park Day,'" Anderson said, noting several Park Days have been rained out, "but we're hoping for good weather this year."

Anderson said a good turnout is between 100 and 150 people, and depending on weather, different projects are undertaken.

"All projects are low impact," Anderson said, adding volunteers won't be exposed to anything hazardous or toxic.

"It's something you can step in, feel good about, and accomplish within that morning setting," Anderson said. "Everyone is invited."

Volunteers will receive lunch and a t-shirt as supplies allow, Anderson said.

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

Shelter 3, Capaha Park, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Shelter 1, City Park, Jackson, Mo.