Park service gives $75,000 for Melaina's Magical Playland

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Cape Girardeau County will receive a Missouri Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for park improvements.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that the the National Park Service has approved a $75,000 grant to improve Cape County Park North.

The county will use the grant to develop Melaina's Magical Playland, an all-accessible playground, and update existing restroom facilities.

"This is a great opportunity for Cape Girardeau County to develop a new playground where all children can enjoy healthy activities," said Bill Bryan, director of the department's Division of State Parks.

The grant is one of 11 fiscal year 2010 Land and Water Conservation Fund grants for Missouri recommended to the National Park Service by the State Inter-Agency Council for Outdoor Recreation. Land developed with these funds is protected in perpetuity by the National Park Service and must be used for outdoor recreation.