CAPE ROCK PARK HAS POTENTIAL FOR RIVER VIEWS

There are many reasons Cape Girardeau has a rich, 200-year-plus history, but the biggest is the Mississippi River. Except when the river floods, many Cape Girardeau residents pay little heed to the vast waterway that flows past downtown. The floodwall, which has paid for itself many times over by keeping businesses and homes dry during high water, is just one reason so few people connect with the river.

One of the best locations to see the river is Cape Rock Park, which offers one of the best vantage points to be found anywhere in town. The park offers up-close viewing from an area near the river's edge, separated from the water by railroad tracks. And the park offers a spectacular panorama from the elevated area that is most often identified as the cape from which the city takes its name.

The city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recently adopted a master plan for park development over the next few years. The 15-year outline still must be approved by the City Council. For one city resident, this seems like a good time to expand on some ideas for making Cape Rock Park even more of a treasure to those who love the river.

Martin Robinson has several ideas for the area. Among them are more views of the river and a walking trail.

As work continues on the nearby city water plant, it is obvious that there is tremendous potential to open up more vistas of the river. The current view from the park is mostly to the north. But the clearing of trees for the water plant expansion has resulted in a stunning view to the south where the new bridge is being constructed.

Robinson has made a good suggestion.

It can only be hoped that there are many Cape Girardeans who, given the opportunity to consider the possibilities, would join him in his quest to make Cape Rock Park a focal point for the city.