Melaina’s Magical Playland at Cape County Park North to be closed for renovation through end of August

Collin Edmonds, 3, plays at Melaina's Magical Playland on April 18, 2016.

Southeast Missourian File

Melaina’s Magical Playland at Cape County Park North will be closed for renovations Monday, July 15, through the end of August.

According to a Cape Girardeau County Parks news release, the changes to the playground will include new surface installation, a new slide, replacing steps, fencing, concrete repair and new concrete for a playground addition. Park superintendent Bryan Sander stated the department apologizes for any inconvenience the renovations may have caused.

“We are excited to reopen the playground in August with these new improvements that will make it a safer and more enjoyable place for children and families,” Sander stated.

While completion of the renovations is expected by the end of August the release stated if people want to reserve Shelter No. 8 close to the playground, they must call the park department directly to reserve it.

Melaina’s Magical Playland is named after Melaina Cunningham, a 3-year-old girl with the rare muscular disorder nemaline myopathy who died in 2009. Melaina’s parents, Jeff and Andrea Cunningham, spearheaded an effort to create a playground that could accommodate children with and without disabilities.