NEW PARK IS SHARED EFFORT

Cape Girardeau's newest park reflects considerable community caring. A mix of students, civic leaders, educators and community residents gathered for the official dedication of Washington Park on Wednesday.

The park, just down the street from Washington School, offers a large picnic shelter, a play structure, swings, sand volleyball courts and plenty of young trees planted by both city workers and students at Washington School. The park site was once a dumping ground for the Department of Public Works.

The lion's share of the credit goes to City Councilman J.J. Williamson and Tom M. Meyer, a local real estate broker and a member of the Evening Optimists. Meyer mobilized members of his club, who donated more than $1,000 and hundreds of hours to create the park. Williamson worked hard to gain city commitment for the park project. The two men are now looking at the Red Star area for establishment of a community park there.

City parks are a great place to enjoy the neighborhood and meet new friends. When people build parks, they help build community.