The city of Cape Girardeau is moving firmly ahead on several fronts with major recreation projects. More than $5 million is being spent on the new Osage Park Community Center and on the Shawnee Park Softball Complex. The two projects cost $5.3 million, with the Community Center representing $3.3 million. Motel and restaurant tax money will be used to pay off the bonds that were sold to build the two facilities.

Softball tournaments are already being booked at Shawnee Park for dates next summer. With five fields, it will qualify for Missouri State Softball tournaments. The new community center is expected to fill a void wherein the Show Me Center is too large for some meetings, while the Arena Building is too small for others. The new center will also be used for city volleyball and basketball leagues. It is to be hoped that both facilities will fulfill their bright promise in bringing us visitors with money to spend.