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NewsAugust 8, 2010

Southeast Missouri's newest water park is more than just child's play. The Cape Splash Family Aquatic center hosted a seniors-only event Friday morning to give the area's older residents a chance to soak up the sun.

Juana Summers
Nancy Marshall, left, and Karen Ruebel float down the lazy river at Cape Splash Family Auquatic Center Friday, August 6, 2010 during senior day at the water park. Ruebel said of senior day, "It's like being a kid again". The park will welcome seniors again on Monday, August 9 from 9-11 a.m.. (Laura Simon)
Nancy Marshall, left, and Karen Ruebel float down the lazy river at Cape Splash Family Auquatic Center Friday, August 6, 2010 during senior day at the water park. Ruebel said of senior day, "It's like being a kid again". The park will welcome seniors again on Monday, August 9 from 9-11 a.m.. (Laura Simon)

Southeast Missouri's newest water park is more than just child's play.

The Cape Splash Family Aquatic center hosted a seniors-only event Friday morning to give the area's older residents a chance to soak up the sun.

Seniors were given access to the park's amenities two hours before it typically opens, without the sounds of noisy children, lifeguard whistles or loud music. Parks and Recreation officials said they hoped to convince more seniors to take a dip.

"During normal operating hours, it's kind of busy and intense, especially if you've never been at a water park before," said Amy Roth, recreation supervisor for Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation.

The peace and quiet convinced a handful of area seniors to splash around, including Renee Brown of Whitewater and her husband, Bob.

"We're so excited because it's for seniors and there are no kids there," Renee Brown said.

The Browns typically visit the recreation facilities at the Osage Community Centre, but Friday marked their first time at Cape Splash.

"We've been looking for an excuse to come out," Bob Brown said.

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Parks and Recreation officials say they weren't disappointed by low turnout. Average daily attendance at Cape Splash tops 1,000.

"Usually when we're open there are a lot of families, moms with three or four kids, so it can get full quick," Roth said.

Senior Day is the Parks and Recreation Department's first push to advertise programming since the park opened in May. Officials marketed the park's senior day online, at several community events and using the marquee sign outside the water park.

But officials say they're optimistic that satisfied visitors will spread the word about Cape Splash themselves.

"Senior citizens in this community are so important and vital to the success of our department," Roth said. "They're the first to bring their grandkids here and tell their friends about us."

The park features a 700-foot-long lazy river, four water slides, a splash play area for children and a lap pool, along with a full-service concession stand.

Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center is at 1565 N. Kingshighway and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until Labor Day. The park will host a second senior day from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday. Senior Day admission is $5.

Pertinent Address:

1565 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO

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