Cape Area Family Resource Center to close its doors

Many residents south of Shawnee Parkway in Cape Girardeau feel that they have been forgotten because they are more and more frequently forced to leave their community in order to get assistance.

Now the Cape Area Family Resource Center, one of the last hold outs bucking this trend, is scheduled to close its doors in early July if it cannot find more funding soon.

The Center currently serves members of the community from nearly every age bracket.

Interim Director Pat King fears what the closure could mean for the children she serves.

“So many times people from… I’m from this community two blocks over three blocks up born and raised live in this community by choice raised my kids in this community. But if the center closes there’s not going to be anything for them to do. I mean you don’t gotta be a scientist, you can drive up and down streets all day and see kids that should be in school that are just hanging out. And I fear that’s only gonna get worse,” King said.

Despite the challenges, King and members of the Board of Directors state that they are hopeful that even if the center closes they will be able to still provide some services in some way.

Tim Filla, 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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