Parks and recreation employee details Sikeston’s many parks for summer fun

Children run and play at the splash pad Monday, June 3, 2024, at Legion Park in Historic Downtown Sikeston. There are 16 parks — two with splash pads — throughout the City of Sikeston packed with activities for children and their families to enjoy on a hot, summer day.

Gina Curtis/Standard Democrat

SIKESTON — Summer has officially arrived, and all of Sikeston’s parks and splash pads are packed with activities for children and their families to enjoy on a hot day.

Abbi Lindsey, recreational coordinator for Sikeston Parks and Recreation, said the department oversees 16 parks and eight trails throughout the city, with some of those trails being located at the parks.

She identified the parks as Armory, Central, Clayton, Dudley, Legion, Malone, Mary Lou Montgomery, Norton, Lincoln, R.S. Matthews/C.P. Wing Lake, North End, Recreation Complex, Roberta Rowe/West End/Dancler Field, Rotary, Veterans and VFW Memorial Stadium.

“Almost all of the parks have playground equipment,” Lindsey said. “Rotary has a new, awesome pavilion with upgrades coming to the ball field. The complex has pickleball, tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, football, fishing, volleyball, concessions and walking trails throughout the park.”

A child runs through the splash pad Monday, June 3, 2024, at Lincoln Park in Sikeston. Gina Curtis/Standard Democrat

Lindsey reports that a new healing garden and fountain are being installed at the city’s oldest park, Malone Park, which is bounded by Scott and Stoddard Streets on the east and west, and North and Center Streets on the north and south.

“Veterans Park (located off East Malone Avenue) also has the memorabilia that has the jets, canons and more,” Lindsey said. “The new lights with veteran flags are also at the park.”

Lindsey also discussed Sikeston’s two splash pads. 

“The first splash pad Sikeston put in is at Legion Park downtown in the center of the park located to the west of the Collins Bandstand,” Lindsey said. “Legion is on Front Street in Historic downtown. Plenty of mature trees provide ample shade to enjoy the park during the day or lights on the splash pad will provide lighting for evening hours.

The other splash pad is at the city’s newest park, Lincoln Memorial Park, located at the northeast corner of West North Street and Petty Avenue.

“It’s a larger splash pad with more interactive pieces including a water bucket,” Lindsey said.

Children run and play through a sprinkler at the splash pad Monday, June 3, 2024, at Lincoln Park in Sikeston. Gina Curtis/Standard Democrat

Aside from the splash pad, Lincoln Park features a walking trail, three pavilions, several playgrounds, restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue pits, a basketball court and parking. 

According to Lindsey, neighborhood parks are fantastic for free family entertainment. 

“There’s no admission and you can bring your own food/drinks and come and go as you please,” said Lindsey. “If splash pads aren’t what someone is looking for, there’s plenty of recreational activity at the complex. If you got the horseshoes or the bags, there’s permanent corn hole boards and a horseshoe area along the lake.”

According to Lindsey, Sikeston Parks and Recreation is a small group of people trying to keep a large number of parks in fantastic condition. 

“We pour our hearts into maintaining the equipment we have so it’s in working order for our guests that visit,” Lindsey said. 

Lindsey also said Sikeston Parks and Recreation would like to encourage everyone to help keep the parks clean. She said if anyone sees anything suspicious, or spots vandalism, please contact Sikeston Parks and Recreation at (573) 475-3723 or (573) 475-3736.