Spaghetti dinner bolsters parks funding

Wednesday's spaghetti dinner benefit for Cape Girardeau's Park Development Foundation is expected to draw as many as 3,000 people.

But the proceeds would hardly put a dent in the cost of proposed improvement projects.

"It's a great benefit to have, but it wouldn't even touch the major projects," said Scott Williams, the city's parks department recreation manager. He said foundation money is used for small-ticket items, such as a five-tier set of bleachers, which sell for $5,000, or replacing an Osage Community Centre treadmill, which costs more than $4,000.

Wednesday's spaghetti-fest, which Williams said typically draws between 2,500 and 3,000 people, usually raises close to $10,000.

The city's parks and recreation advisory board has been refining its proposed half-cent, 10-year tax to pay for improvements -- which range from an aquatic center to replacing vehicles -- totaling $25 million. The figure includes $3 million for storm-water abatement projects.

After the board's latest report to the city council, it appears the issue may land on April's ballot.

The timeline for getting the measure in front of voters is "strictly up to the council," said Tim Gramling, public works director. He said the storm-water portion of the tax has received little attention because all the projects relate to one category, while parks issues span more than a dozen.

Dan Muser, the city's parks and recreation department director, has a $1.2 million annual budget, but it does not cover equipment replacement.

Parks events must pay for themselves. Williams said Saturday's benefit concert, by the KISS tribute band KISS Army and local rockers Drivin' Rain drew more than 500 people. After all the bills are paid, Williams said, the Park Development Foundation will make a less than $1,000 profit.

"Not everything a foundation does has to generate money. It was good because we had a lot of fans who enjoyed the concert and hope the Arena does more things like that," Williams said.

"This is the first time we've stepped up and done anything with music."

The foundation will pursue new fundraising events, such as the first-ever Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 15.

Mike Keefe, chairman of Cape Girardeau's parks and recreation board, said he and his wife, Jan, will work at the spaghetti dinner, as they do every year.

But Keefe has handed off the job of campaigning for the parks and storm-water tax to fellow board member Dan Essner.

Keefe said he didn't want the tax issue to be overshadowed by his pursuit of a seat in Missouri's House of Representatives.

"If I don't win in February, I can get back out and push like heck to get it done," he said. "If I do win, I can work behind the scenes to get it done."

Muser's wife, Nancy, spent all Monday baking 250 servings of dessert for Wednesday's spaghetti dinner: eight banana cakes and 12 cobblers.

She said she enjoys working with the volunteers.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127