Friends of the Park Day inspires, gratifies

P Three-hundred volunteers were more than fair-weather friends to parks.

It was a rainy, chilly Saturday, but more than 300 people opted to be more than fair-weather friends to Cape Girardeau's city parks.

The annual Friends of the Parks Day held recently provided an opportunity for people to help pick up trash, plant flowers, spread mulch and complete other chores at the city's 23 parks.

For the 17th year, adults and children turned out to lend a hand, and this year it was despite the nasty weather.

Parks director Dan Muser said it has become a community event and gives people a sense of ownership of the parks. It really is a chance for residents to show how much they care about one of our city's most valuable assets.

As one participant said, it's a way of giving back.