Place to play: Cape seeks input to improve Capaha Park

Deborah Harris would like to see a swimming pool put back. Sixteen-year-old Christian Baird wants that gross algae problem permanently fixed in the pond that he fishes in on weekends. And Chris Misuraco says that anything that will give his 17-month-old daughter and other children more fun options is fine by him.

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau was occupied by leisurely dog walkers, rambunctious toddlers and fans of the still relatively new disc golf course. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in the city's 40-acre park.

Alysia Eckhoff and her boyfriend Cameron Smith relax under shade Sunday at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. “This is our go-to park, for sure,” Smith said. “Capaha Park is better than any other park in Cape, so we just come here.” (Laura Simon)

Still, with the removal of the 55-year-old swimming pool, Cape Girardeau officials are looking to make about $350,000 in improvements and now they are seeking input from the public. On Tuesday, the city is hosting what it bills as the Capaha Park Master Plan Improvements Stakeholder Meeting.

The two identical sessions begin at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Osage Centre. SWT Design of St. Louis, the firm hired to provide design services, will facilitate a discussion about recommendations for two concept plans that will highlight infrastructure work and amenity ideas, landscaping and enhanced park access. Feedback from these sessions will be used to help develop a final master plan for park development.

"We're trying to narrow down the ideas for the design and we'd like to have a bit of input from the public," said Parks Director Julia Thompson. "People will enjoy taking a look at some of the possibilities with regard to park improvements and what could take shape in the future."

SWT, which has been paid about $5,000 for its work so far, drew up two concepts after the firm held discussions and took suggestions from the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Both plans provide pond and band shell enhancements, additional shelters and restrooms, a "destination playground," special-events areas and interpretive signage. Each option also includes accessibility improvements, trails and improved landscapes.

But the circulation area for automobiles and pedestrians is laid out differently on each concept. In the second option, the size of the pond is considerably bigger and includes a splash pad, an area where water could be sprayed on park visitors. The costs of each concept has not been determined yet, according to SWT. After the board makes recommendations and public input is factored in, one final concept will be designed and a cost estimate will be developed.

Phoenix Dover, 12, runs across the drawbridge as Breanna Potter, 7, waits for her turn Sunday at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. “It’s a very nice, soothing and relaxing park,” said Jerry Cartrette, the children’s grandfather from Potosi, Mo. (Laura Simon)

"It's our oldest park and one of our most beloved," Thompson said. "It's right in the center of town and it gets a lot of attention."

Water features are included in both concepts, Thompson said. One concept features a meandering stream that flows down a hillside and into the pond to help aeration. Another option is creating a plaza near the Broadway entrance that would include fountains.

"There are several interesting ideas that we'll be talking about," Thompson said.

Formal recommendations to the Cape Girardeau City Council should be finalized later this fall. The park improvements are being paid for with the half-cent parks and storm-water sales tax that voters approved in 2008.

Those who use the park on a regular basis had a few early suggestions Sunday. As Chris Misuraco and little Makynna horsed around on the playground, he said anything that includes water for the children to play in would be welcome.

"Any addition would be good," he said. "There's already a lot to do, but anything that involves water would be nice."

Deborah Harris of Cape Girardeau was at the park with her three children and a neighborhood child. She wants the pool back, she said, pointing to this excruciatingly hot summer as an example of the need. But she also knew a splash pad, like those at Cape Splash, would be popular with her children, too. Harris found the offerings of the park overall a bit bare.

"I wish there was more stuff for the kids to do," she said. "So I'm glad they're looking at doing that."

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Capaha Park, Cape Girardeau, MO