THE PATH OF PROGRESS: SOUTHEAST MOVES AHEAD WITH ITS RIVER CAMPUS TRAIL PROJECT

Shaded from the summer sun by a canopy of tall trees, Al Stoverink strides across grassy hills that slope down to the Mississippi River.

This is fertile ground for future hiking and biking trails that will transform part of the tree-filled Southeast Missouri State University River Campus property into a riverfront park, says Stoverink, director of facilities management for the school.

He envisions the trails would draw people to what is currently a forgotten area along the river, creating a place where couples could stroll and children could pedal their bicycles around the shade trees, including a state-champion beech tree that is over 158 years old.

"The whole concept of this is to be a public park," he said. "I think you will see people down there all the time."

Visitors, he says, will have a sweeping view of the river and construction of the new Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.

An archeological survey is expected to get under way this fall on the land. An earlier survey found evidence of American Indian artifacts. Construction of meandering 8-foot-wide asphalt trails covering half a mile could start next spring with completion by summer, says Dr. Pauline Fox, university vice-president of administration and enrollment management.

The university plans to spend $319,543 on the project. A federally funded grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation will pay $255,634, and the university will pay the other $63,909.

Groundbreaking set

Southeast officials plan to hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on June 28 following a meeting of the Board of Regents. Work on the project won't begin for several months, Stoverink said.

The terrace project includes:

* Informational signs about the plant life and history of the site and benches for resting.

* A pavilion overlooking the Mississippi River, which could be used by tourists and school groups.

* An entrance to the property off Aquamsi Street.

* A 20-space parking lot for buses and cars.

* An underground electric line, replacing an overhead one to improve the beauty and safety of the site.

* Removal of several "scrub trees" on both sides of Aquamsi that block a clear view of the river.

The pavilion could be similar in size to one in downtown Cape Girardeau and probably handle 50 to 60 people at a time, making it a convenient stop for tour buses, Stoverink said.

The trails eventually could be connected with a planned city trail through the downtown area, Stoverink said.

Tree an attraction

The state-champion beech tree on the grounds of the former Catholic seminary should prove a major attraction, said Stoverink.

The university plans to erect a trail sign with information about the tree whose huge trunk, more than 16 feet in circumference, supports massive branches expanding outward like a leafy umbrella. A university committee, which studied the site in 1998, said the tree predates the seminary, built in 1843.

Rocky Hayes, an urban forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation, said the trails will draw attention to the giant tree.

"It's an ideal spot," said Hayes, who last measured the tree in 1996. At that time, it stood 88 feet tall.

School officials are touting the project because it will bring the first visible changes to the property since the university obtained the former seminary in 1998 thanks to a financial gift from B.W. Harrison of Cape Girardeau.

The university wants to spend $36 million to develop a River Campus visual and performing arts school on the property, a project that depends on funding from the state, the city of Cape Girardeau and private donations.

Southeast has received a a $2.6 million federal grant to plan for a River Campus museum and hire personnel for the facility, which could be built close to the trails.

The city's share of the River Campus project currently is held up by a lawsuit filed by Cape Girardeau businessman Jim Drury. He contends voters didn't approve funding for the city's portion of the project.

But Fox said the trails project can proceed regardless of what happens with the lawsuit and the overall River Campus project.