Capaha Park improvements on track for late spring finish

Upgrades at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau are underway, and on track to be completed as early as late spring, weather permitting, said parks and recreation director Julia Jones.

Jones said phase 2 of the Capaha Park master plan includes renovations to the pavilion, new restrooms and a splash pad. The park is a muddy mess near the ballpark as crews prepare for several upgrades to give the park a new look and new amenities come spring.

The projects are on schedule Jones said, noting the site is cleared, but a lot depends on the weather.

"Right now we're not able to start installing the splash pad until the weather warms up," Jones said, but plans are being finalized for the restrooms, and construction could begin as early as February, weather permitting.

"We're hoping for May or early June, targeting close to when kids get out from school so once the weather warms up, everyone can enjoy the new splash pad, pavilion and restrooms," Jones said.

Improvements to the Capaha Park ball field will include new sports lighting, some drainage and grading work, some fencing and a new home-run deck outside the right-field line, Jones said.

Construction on the new lighting is slated to start by the end of the month, Jones said.

The grading and drainage work is planned to improve low areas on Parkview Drive, Jones said, which is traveled by people cutting through the park.

"We'll be painting the dugout and grandstand area" of the ball field, Jones said, likely during the later winter months when the weather warms up slightly.

"I think the city as a whole, and the region, will be super happy on improvements to Capaha," Jones said, noting she thinks Capaha Park is one of the city's most loved and cherished parks.

This work and more projects planned for later phases will be "well worth it," Jones said.

Jan. 1 brought about the renewal of Cape Girardeau's Parks and Recreation Stormwater Tax 2, which means another $1.5 million investment made into Capaha Park over the next several years.

That work will include renovation to the pond and access to it, Jones said, and improved parking areas.

The Dan Cotner Amphitheater, also known as the band shell, also will have work done, Jones said.

Improvements to the rose garden and the entire western section of the park also are planned for later phases, Jones said.

"We're really in phase 2 of a six-phase plan," Jones said, noting the ball field was in phase 6 but was moved up when Southeast Missouri State University helped improve the turf, and the Cape Catfish prospect league baseball team announced plans to start up in spring 2019.

"There are a couple more phases to complete, and it's all coming together nicely," Jones said.

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630