Congrats to Mayor Rediger on parks and rec award

At last week's Cape Girardeau City Council meeting, Mayor Harry Rediger was surprised with the announcement that he'll receive the Public Official Award from the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association for his "public promotion and support voiced on behalf of recreation and park interests and issues."

According to reporter Mark Bliss, "The Missouri Park and Recreation Association serves as the voice for parks and recreation on the local, state and national level. The not-for-profit association promotes public support for parks and recreation and public awareness of the contribution of recreation to a balanced life."

Rediger was humbled by the recognition and noted that not only was it a personal honor "but an honor for the city." He will receive the award March 9 at the association's conference in Branson, Missouri.

Congratulations to Mayor Rediger and everyone involved with parks and recreation in Cape Girardeau for this deserved honor.

Cape Girardeau parks and recreation director Julia Thompson nominated Rediger and said, "Mayor Rediger has been a champion supporter and promoter of quality-of-life issues and initiatives for the city of Cape Girardeau and regularly speaks to these causes."

Some of the ways Rediger has supported parks and recreation was welcoming Special Olympic athletes to events in Cape Girardeau and championing public art on Broadway and the building of the Cape Girardeau SportsPlex. The mayor said the city's parks, walking trails, sports and aquatic facilities and public golf course add up to a great "quality of life," and we agree.

We're thankful for the parks and recreation facilities in Cape Girardeau, and look forward to seeing the continued upkeep and improvements.