Expanding parks system sets Cape apart

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department is growing.

Not just in programs offered. but people served.

Consider the attendance at the Osage Centre as just one example. In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the Osage Centre welcomed 35,218 people. In 2013-2014, the number jumped to 82,973.

The city has invested in its parks system. Parks are part of the fabric of all towns and communities. In Cape Girardeau, taxpayers have approved taxes that have gone to expand and breathe new life into the city. Businesses have donated money for projects. Volunteers have given of their time and energy.

You're probably already familiar with some of the nicer facilities in town, from the water park to the baseball/softball complex to the walking and biking trail. All of these entities keep people active and moving. The parks bring a vibrancy to town.

The parks department has introduced new programs and events as well, including the popular father-daughter dance, which expanded from 350 participants in year one to 950 participants last year. More people are participating in volleyball and softball. More people are planting gardens and trees; there are cooking and craft classes.

The parks department has managed to keep its payroll in check as programs have expanded as well.

"Since I've been here (three-plus years)," said parks director Julia Thompson, "I think we've only added two full-time positions. One is our health and wellness coordinator, the other a senior maintenance worker at Capaha Field. We've absorbed a lot of additional work, just by reorganizing aspects of the department. We employ a large part-time workforce, probably at its height in the summer, close to 400 part-time employees."

The parks department employees 54 full-time workers.

The city looks to add a large, indoor sports complex within the next couple of years, which will allow the city to play host to more sports tournaments.

Cape Girardeau is fortunate to have such an active parks department with options to suit just about anyone who wants to get out and be active.

We tip our caps to all who work in parks to keep the Cape Girardeau community moving.