POLICE DISPATCHER RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLARY WORK: BEAUTIFUL FORESIGHT

Although the Cape Girardeau County acreage that once served as the county poor farm has dwindled significantly through the years, the 200 acres remaining have been turned into beautiful parkland that offers an inviting entrance to the city. It serves thousands of people each year and is increasing in use, drawing users from a large area.

Cape Girardeau North and South county parks sit on either side of Highway 34-61 just east of Interstate 55. The two parks contain 18 picnic shelters, lakes, playgrounds, tennis courts, and now the Missouri Conservation Department regional headquarters. A beautiful war memorial topped by a huge U.S. flag particularly draws the attention of passersby to the North Park. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 has a breath-taking display called the Avenue of Flags, which features more than 400 burial flags, on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans days.

Much of the original acreage had been sold for construction of Highway 34-61 and the interstate, for Memorial Park Cemetery and other purposes when a county commission about 25 years ago envisioned parkland on the acreage that remained. Residents of the county who enjoy the parks' facilities, and those who simply enjoy the beauty when they pass between them, can be grateful for that foresight, and for subsequent county commissions seeing to it that the parks have become developed and are well maintained.