Cape County Commission plans for new playground, other improvements in the South Park

The Cape Girardeau County Commission hopes to obtain a federal grant to help fund installation of new playground equipment, along with construction of a bathroom, a park shelter and a new, asphalt parking lot in the county’s South Park.

The commission voted Monday to apply for a land-water conservation grant through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The grant could provide a maximum of $150,000 toward the estimated $350,000 project, said Bryan Sander, county park superintendent. County officials hope to receive the grant before year’s end.

County officials also hope to secure additional funding from a private organization. That arrangement still is being finalized, Sander said.

“We are in desperate need of a new playground and bathroom,” he said.

“We are hoping to actually start work next spring,” he added.

Merik Beasley, 3, and his sister Lily, 8, hold on as they spin around on the merry-go-round at Cape County Park South on Monday, April 4, 2016.Laura Simon

The project could be completed by the end of 2017.

The new playground would replace one that is nearly 30 years old, Sander said.

“We have to do something about the existing playground,” Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy said.

Sander said the new playground would be similar to Melaina’s Magical Playland in the North Park, which was created to provide a play area accessible for all children.

The playground will have a rubber surface created from shredded tires, Sander said.

The playground will cost about $200,000. The total price tag is for materials alone. Sander said county crews will do the construction.

This project will provide a permanent restroom facility. The current South Park playground has only portable toilets.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape County Park South, Cape Girardeau, Mo.