Water park run by city would be wonderful asset

To the editor:

Should Cape Girardeau own and operate a water park? In my opinion, yes. This is a quality-of-life issue. A water park would give Cape residents another recreational choice. When industries look at what a city has to offer their employees' families, they like to see a diversity of activities. When the Capaha Park pool goes down, it will not make sense to build another pool similar to the pool already in place at Central Junior High School.

An argument I've heard is, "If it's such a good idea, why doesn't someone in the private sector build a water park?" The private sector must see a large enough profit to continue any venture. The city would not have to turn a large profit in order to maintain and manage such a facility. A privately owned facility would need to charge a much higher admission fee. A good example is the city-run golf course, which is a nice choice to have.

In years gone by I would have questioned the city's ability to manage and maintain a water park. Under the professional leadership of parks director Dan Muser and his staff, this fear has disappeared. This group has proved its ability to develop high-quality programs and events. There is no about the water park would be a first-rate operation. A water park built, managed and maintained by the city would be a wonderful addition to the area. If we build it, they will come.

RICK WIESER

Member

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Cape Girardeau