Julie Thompson named as new Parks & Rec director

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau’s new Director of Parks and Recreation bolsters a strong resume and even stronger ties to the city.

Julia Thompson has over thirty years of administrative experience in the field.

In addition to numerous other positions, Thompson served as Superintendent of Parks and Recreation in Kissimmee, Florida for fifteen years.

And she was the acting Director of Parks and Recreation in Seminole County, Florida prior to accepting the job in Cape Girardeau.

Thompson’s mother, Marge Thompson, was born and raised in Cape Girardeau, and after an interlude in Florida, she returned to her hometown.

City Manager Scott Meyer says that both he and the city are eager and enthusiastic to work with Thompson.

“She was a strong Candidate from very beginning. Her resume is just an impeccable resume. And then to follow that up with the type of enthusiasum and passion she has is it is really the complete package,” Meyer said.

The decision was announced at Monday’s City Council Meeting.

In other business, the City Council gave first-round approval on a nuisance party ordinance that would control late-night parties in residential neighborhoods. The law would hold party hosts responsible for misconduct at their events … as well as give police the power to order party-goers to disperse.

The Council will vote on final approval at the next meeting on June 20.

Tim Filla, KRCU

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Capaha Pool demolition begins

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Crews began to demolish Capaha Pool in Cape Girardeau on Thursday. 

The swimming pool became obsolete after the construction of the Cape Splash water park last year.

Capaha Pool was built in 1957. Structural issues made the pool infeasible to repair.

For time being, the pool will be replaced by green space, according to Cape Girardeau Housing Assistance Coordinator Steve Williams

“Right now the Park Board does not have any particular thing to go in there. What he is going to do, once we haul off all the material, he’s going to bring in fill and put it to grade. Then when will seed and straw it,” Williams said.

The $73 thousand project must be completed within 45 days. Williams expects the demolition to be finished much sooner than that.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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Parks & Rec and SEMO team up for disc golf course at Capaha Park

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department, Southeast Student Government, and Recretion Services at Southeast are teaming up to build a disc golf course at Capaha Park. The three entities are sharing the cost of the project.

The disc golf course will use baskets and frisbees in a ten-hole golf course spread out over 4000 feet at Capaha Park. The service will be provided free of charge, but the players will have to supply their own frisbees according to Troy Vaughn, director of Recreation services at Southeast Missouri State University.

"You don't have to be a great golfer to come out and do this. Men and women alike will enjoy it. If you even have a disability there's even some opportunities there," Vaughn said. "There's so many different, unique things that you can do with this. For kids as young as four or five they can get out there and walk and play with moms and dads and brothers and sisters."

The disc gold course will be open during the park’s regular hours. Vaughn says that the course will open in late April.

Rachel Weatherford, KRCU



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Cape Girardeau opens new community center

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau’s newest recreation facility officially opened its doors on Monday. 

The Shawnee Park Center will be the new focal point of the Cape Girardeau Shawnee Sports Complex on the south end of the city.

Officials such as Mayor Harry Rediger and retiring Parks and Recreation Director Dan Muser officially cut the ribbon for the new facility.

The Shawnee Park Center features a high school regulation size basketball court, two regulation volleyball courts, a weight room, a full size kitchen, and a meeting room.

New manager Heather Davis says that the facility’s services are already in demand.

“We have a wedding reception scheduled. We’ve had some church groups inquire about pricing as well. There are some community groups that have been getting together in other places. They are looking for a new place to meet,” Davis said.

The $2 million dollar facility will provide a larger variety of sports at the Shawnee Sports Complex, according to City Councilman John Voss.

“Our theme so far has really been outdoor activities here at the Shawnee Sports Complex. And now we have another venue to provide some indoor activities to make this place used year-round,” Voss said.

Davis says that some after-school programs will be developed for the Shawnee Park Center in the fall that will incorporate student tutoring and physical activities.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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