New parks director

Cape Girardeau city officials recently announced it had found a new parks director. Julia Thompson, who has lived in Florida for nearly 30 years, will be returning to the place where she attended college. Her mother, Marge Thompson, lives here. Her great-great-grandfather was Cape Girardeau's mayor.

Thompson has nearly 30 years of experience in parks experience, and is currently parks and recreation manager for Seminole County, Fla. Thompson appears to be a good fit.

With her familiarity with Cape Girardeau, she no doubt understands how important parks are to this community. Cape Girardeau has supported its park system with its pocketbook, passing tax initiatives to expand the system. From the water park, to the Shawnee Community Center and new ball fields, there's more infrastructure and activities going on now than ever before in Cape. That's not to mention all of the leagues and activities that occur on a daily basis.

Indeed recently retired Dan Muser left the parks system in good shape. The parks department has some good people keeping these programs going.

It will be good to have someone come in with a fresh perspective, and it will be exciting to see her vision carried out in our city's fine parks.

Welcome, Julia, to Cape Girardeau. To be more specific, welcome back.