Williams keeps busy organizing local events

Since 1988, Scott Williams has had a hand in a number of recreational events. And looking back on the last 16 years, he would prefer it no other way.

Williams, who serves as the recreation supervisor for the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department, aides in organizing local sports leagues, tournaments and camps. He works with the department's budget and helps manage different complexes around the area.

And he loves it.

"This is what I went to school for," Williams said. "There have been ups and downs, but you get to see people enjoy what you provide."

Williams and other department employees began organizing a complete renovation of the A.C. Brase Arena Building about five years ago. While the work is not complete, Williams and his staff are pleased with the new look.

"We're about 70 percent of the way done," Williams said. "There's still a lot of mechanical issues to be dealt with later, but we'll get to that."

Throughout the year, the department sponsors adult leagues for several major sports, including basketball, softball and flag football. The program also offers a female youth basketball league, which has about 50 teams, as well as more than 50 different classes and camps for kids.

Williams believes the number of activities the department provides has played a significant role in its success.

"The overall size of the program and the variety of things we offer to the community is great," he said. "The activities and services are essential to the community, and it's kind of our role to take care of that."

The leagues and tournaments present an opportunity for both adults and children to enjoy themselves while being competitive, and Williams delights in seeing kids leave with a trophy and a smile.

"There's happiness and aggravation," said Williams, who also serves as a volunteer coach for a Special Olympics basketball team, "but that's just part of participating in sports. I think most of the kids have fun, and I like to see them come back when they're old and remember being a part of these activities."

While Williams has put in plenty of hours, he knows that his personnel make the department successful.

"Most of us still work 50-hour weeks," Williams said of the department, which boasts the 1997 Amateur Softball Association Facility of the Year award for the Shawnee Park softball complex. "We work when other people work, but we also work when other people play."

Williams is optimistic about the the department's continued success and its role in attracting tourism.

"We want to bring people into the city and provide them entertainment while they're here," Williams said, conscious of the city's budget constraints. "We're going through a challenging time right now, but we're going with open minds and still looking at opportunities in the future for expanding when we can."