LETTERS: CAPE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUTH RECREATION

To the editor:

Cape Girardeau struggled to show population growth during the 1990s. Meanwhile, Jackson maintained double-digit growth, fueled in part by middle-income families moving from Cape Girardeau and by new families choosing Jackson rather than Cape. While it would be incorrect to blame this trend on just one problem, one thing contributed to the outflow of young families from Cape: The facilities provided for children's sports and recreation are shameful and an embarrassment to the city's reputation.

As a coach, I have witnessed appalling situations at Cape baseball fields. The 6-through-8-year-old fields at Arena Park suffer from poor parking, terrible field conditions and a traffic-flow problem. Those fields and the complex for 9-year-olds at Capaha Park have fences made from plastic construction fencing. There are no restroom facilities at most of the fields, and there is no secure means of storing equipment at any of the parks. Many of the improvements at the fields are paid for by league fees and out-of-pocket purchases by dedicated league members.

Years ago, I represented a civic organization when we favored spending excess hotel-motel-restaurant tax funds to build the splendid softball facility at Shawnee Park. I believe it is time for similar action on youth sports. While I no longer live inside the city limits, I caution that this is a complaint voiced often by parents, coaches and league officials who are city residents and who are showing their displeasure by their choice of community to live in.

KEVIN S. LASHER

Coach, 2001 Cardinals

9-Year-Old Division

Cape Girardeau Youth

Baseball League

Cape Girardeau