Importance of Sikeston parks presented at SACC meeting

SIKESTON - Whether it is a place for the community to gather for a concert or a celebration or where youngsters can test their athletic skills, parks are a good for Sikeston said Monique Rice.

Rice, who was the guest speaker for the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce noon luncheon Thursday, sought the public's support for current parks and others that are in the planning stages.

According to Rice, fundraising continues for the Malone Park, which has been a part of the Sikeston landscape since 1908. Thanks to donations of time and money, the park has received many needed renovations and the bandstand improved.

Currently, work is under way to replace the tin ceiling of the bandstand. Original panels have been located in New Jersey and Rice said $2,500 will enable the project to be completed.

"This has been a wonderful community project," said Rice about the Malone Park, noting a variety of individuals and businesses have been involved.

Also Rice spoke about efforts to create a skateboard park in Sikeston.

As Cindy Taylor, founder and president of Sikeston Action Sports Inc. and the Sikeston Skate Committee, held up drawings of the proposed skatepark for Sikeston, Rice explained the efforts to begin construction of the park in phases, possibly as soon as this fall.

"Investing in programs like this is investing in Sikeston, whether it is the Malone Park or a skatepark or a fountain in the Sports Complex," said Rice. "Every improvement makes us look better."

Also during the Chamber meeting, members of the Missouri Delta Hospital Ball Committee spoke about the event, which is scheduled for Oct. 20. This year's event is designed to raise funds to purchase ICU monitors.

Missy Marshall, executive director of the SACC, said the Annual Cotton Carnival is scheduled for Sept. 25-29. The parade will be on Sept. 29 and the theme is "Salute to Our Special Forces."