LOCAL COMMITTEE TO TACKLE PARK PLANNING

Need a plan? Call a consultant. That's the way most government entities and businesses seem to work these days. Outside experts are thought to bring a stamp of credibility to projects. That can be the case sometimes.

But consultants also allow a shift the burden of blame. You know the drill. If it's a good idea, everyone takes credit. If it's a bad idea, the finger can more easily point to an outsider, such as an out-of-town consultant.

It was refreshing to hear that the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department had decided to create its own plan for future park development. Many cities the size of Cape Girardeau hire outside consultants for this duty.

But the parks board felt there was plenty of expertise locally to do the job. Bravo!

Both Cape Girardeau city and county are fortunate to have a top-notch park system. But extensive city and county park systems didn't just pop up. They are here today because of roll-up-your-sleeve planning and vision.

A seven-member team of from the parks department will work to develop the plan. Cape Girardeau's local park experts not only understand the existing parks, they can appreciate what Cape Girardeau park users both need and want. Walking that fine line takes both financial wherewithal and vision. After all, a park doesn't just happen. It takes time for the grass, trees and plants to grow. It also takes time to grow park users.

Consultants add another element to the mix. Consultant expertise doesn't come cheap. The fact the plan will be developed locally can save the parks department substantial dollars, and that's money that can be plowed back into actual park development.

The committee will work up a list of priority projects with dollar figures attached. New parks require sufficient resources for land purchases and development. Planning is imperative when new tax dollars are required.

The park committee will also look at which park areas are most appropriate for certain kinds of development. For example, the study team will consider the location of a new city swimming pool complex if the city decides to replace the aging Capaha Pool. All the parks, including the Shawnee sports complex and the Municipal Golf Course, will be included in the study.

Input from the public may also be a key to ensuring that the parks develop in line with what residents want. But taxpayers must realize that a long laundry list of wants would have to be accompanied by a way to pay for it.

This park study committee has its work cut out for it. But this local group can certainly build on the success of the current park system in looking toward the future.