Cape Girardeau County commissioners approved Thursday the construction of a $22,000 park shelter at Cape County Park North to replace an existing facility that is old and in disrepair.

As part of his increased duties with the county parks department, Commissioner Jay Purcell proposed constructing a low-maintenance, larger shelter to replace the 36-year-old shelter No. 3 at the park. He said the facility has significant maintenance issues, including water damage and wood rot, and it needs a new roof.

While some of the issues with the shelter can be repaired, Purcell said it was a matter of how much money the county wants to invest in a structure built in 1975.

The sun illuminates shelter No. 3 at Cape County Park North on Thursday, March 3, 2011. (Kristin Eberts)

"It's putting a Band-Aid on the problem, when we could solve it," he said.

According to county public works director Don McQuay, the new shelter will have metal posts and beams, a concrete floor, vinyl siding at its ends and a metal roof and ceiling. He said it will look the same as shelter 21 in Cape County Park South.

The money to fund the construction will be taken from the department's 2011 budget. Purcell originally proposed to pay for the shelter with money from the park department's land acquisition fund, with the intent to pay it back with money saved from eliminating the parks superintendent position. However, Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy said the improvements needed to be made and that taking money from the budget makes more sense.

"The money is there. The shelter needs to be fixed," he said. "It needs to be addressed, regardless how many people are on staff."

Auditor Pete Frazier also said taking funds from the park's payroll and putting it in the acquisition fund wasn't necessary.

"Money has already been allocated to the parks budget," he said. "It's easier to just earmark $22,000 for the shelter than taking it from payroll."

As Purcell continues to assume many of the superintendent responsibilities, he said he will be contacting local businesses and organizations about partnering with the county to help finance improvements and additions within the parks. He also plans to propose replacing other aging shelters within the next year.

McQuay said he is also looking for additional funding streams for park improvements, and plans to pursue grants to replace and construct shelters, playgrounds and other park features.

Other action

In other business, the commission renewed copy machine service contracts for various county departments.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO

The roof of shelter No. 3 at Cape County Park North shows signs of decay in this photo taken Thursday, March 3, 2011. (Carrie Bartholomew)

2400 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO