MISSOURI PARKS MARK DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

It's a diamond jubilee this year in Missouri as the state park system commemorates its 75th anniversary. Local residents can join in the birthday celebration this weekend as Trail of Tears State Park also marks its 35th anniversary of being donated to the state. Next month, Bollinger Mill will observe its 25th anniversary of joining the state park system.

The region is fortunate to be home to two such exceptional state parks. For those residents who haven't visited these parks lately, it's worth the trip.

Today through Sunday, Trail of Tears has a number of special programs planned. Several talks will showcase the park's history. The park commemorates the Trail of Tears, named for the forced march by the U.S. government of Cherokee Indians from their homes east of the Mississippi River to the West. Occurring in 1838 and 1839, the march resulted in the deaths of nearly 4,000 men, women and children. A portion of the route now runs through the park.

This park is a extraordinary reminder of citizen generosity. Cape Girardeau County residents bought the land that became Trail of Tears Park, and then donated it to the state. The park was donated to the state on June 4, 1957.

Bollinger Mill will celebrate its anniversary with a free concert on July 13.

Trail of Tears and Bollinger Mill are two of 77 state parks and historic sites administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The department preserves some 120,000 acres across the state. The parks are diverse as the state itself, running the gamut from swampland to mountains.

The state park system has been able to escape the budget crunch of many other departments because they are funded by a portion of the state sales tax. Additional funding is secured through user fees. In 1984 and 1988, Missouri voters chose to earmark a portion of the state's tax for parks. That brings in about $23 million for the parks, with an equal amount for state soil conservation.

That means as Missourians spend their dollars, they become benefactors of the state parks system. As such, we should all take advantage of our good deed. Missouri parks have a lot to offer: Fishing, swimming, horseback riding, boating, dining lodges, marinas, hiking trails, bicycle and off-road motorcycle trails, and, of course, camping.

State parks are a good investment by Missourians. These birthday celebrations offer a good opportunity to enjoy nature in all its glory.