LETTERS: SAVE THE PARK LAND

To the editor:

According to recent news stories, the leaders of Cape Girardeau and Jackson, along with the Cape Girardeau County Commission, are combining forces to make Cape Girardeau County park land available for the construction of a state juvenile facility. How can these people even think of using this land for anything other than park purposes?

This is the only portion of county park land that borders on I-55. It has been said this land isn't fully utilized at present. Perhaps not, but what of the future? If Cape Girardeau County continues to grow, and we hope that it does, this land will become more and more valuable. Wooded land such as this will become increasingly scarce in the future.

I do not wish to appear against increased job opportunities for this area. Having three family members owning their own small business, we are most certainly interested in continued job opportunities in this area for more and more people. Their continued success depends on it.

Cape Girardeau County residents, examine this proposal. Let the people in charge know your feelings. Call your mayor. Call the county commissioners.

Juvenile detention facility on county park land? Absolutely not.

CHARLES ENGELHART

Jackson