Park changes

Work recently began on two Cape Girardeau parks named after civic leaders.

Murtaugh Park and the Melvin Gateley Rose Garden will be combined, bringing more visibility to each.

Murtaugh Park is located near the Red House Interpretive Center. It will have more space available with Aquamsi Street filled in. With additional green space available, the city is moving the Gately Rose Garden, currently located behind City Hall, to this location.

The move was precipitated by the work that will be done for a new water and sewer line that will run through the current location of the Gately Rose Garden. The city said Melvin Gately, for whom the rose garden is named, supported this new location.

Julia Thompson, the city's parks and recreation director, said the move will provide a civic anchor in this part of Cape Girardeau's downtown. She cited the flagpoles and landscaping as additional draws, and utilities for electricity and water also are available.

Other amenities could be added to the park. Even with the addition of the garden to Murtaugh Park, Thompson said there will be room for the Red House to expand events and displays.

The public soon will have an opportunity to purchase personalized bricks for the area, with proceeds benefiting the garden.

Work on the park is scheduled to be finished next spring.

These are welcome changes for Murtaugh Park and the Melvin Gately Rose Garden. Both areas are reminders of the men who invested so much in this community.

The Rev. James A. Murtaugh led St. Vincent's College beginning in 1911 and was a civic leader.

Gately, a former educator and city council member, worked with the city on Vision 2000 and Vision 2020. As part of Vision 2000, he planted more than 5,000 rose bushes in Cape Girardeau.

We look forward to seeing the changes come into view.

Our hope is that the aesthetics of the area continue to be a key factor in the development, creating an appealing place for people to enjoy.