(May 18, 2023) — A lot is happening with Sikeston Parks and Recreation. That was the message Thursday afternoon at the Sikeston Regional Chamber luncheon held at the Clinton Building.

Sikeston Parks and Recreation recently received over $770,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to expand Legion Park in Downtown Sikeston.

Dustin Care, Sikeston Parks and Recreation director, said they were blessed and thankful for all of the support of not only city officials but of Sikeston residents as well.

“Without the open houses and all the discussion, this doesn’t go through,” Care said. “This was all put together by the community. This is what people in the community wanted at large, so we are extremely excited and happy to see this come to fruition.”

As part of the project, downtown restrooms will be built, and a short stretch of New Madrid Street will be closed and turned into green space.

Some asphalt behind the Sikeston Depot will be turned into green space as a 40-foot by 150-foot open air market will be constructed. The open-air market will house the Farmer’s Market and other events as well.

There will also be a portable ice skating rink that will have real ice during winter months.

“It’s going to reach a whole lot of people within our community, a lot of different age groups,” Care said. “It will also attract more people downtown. Especially with our Christmas tree lighting, our Christmas parade and our Santa’s Village.”

Care added there is also a planned playground in the works, however, it is not part of this project. The playground project is being spearheaded by Levi’s Adventure Trail.

Also, the rail trail, which runs through downtown, will be extended from Scott Street all the way west and connect with Sunset Boulevard.

“It’s a pretty long stretch,” Care said. “That will be Phase 2 of the trail and then we will start working and expand to the east side.”

When asked about the timeline, Care said everything must be procured within one year and finished by 2026.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Care said, adding that the purpose of the ARPA funding was for projects that probably couldn’t have been done. “Fortunately, we were able to put all of our minds together, come up with a great presentation, get all the support that we needed and we’re very fortunate that we were selected for this.”

Abbi Lindsey, recreation coordinator for Sikeston Parks and Recreation, also gave an update at the SRC meeting about Sikeston hosting the Cal Ripken 9U Midwest Plains Regional from July 27-30.

The event will draw players and families from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Canada and is an opportunity to showcase the community.

Currently they are selling advertising for a souvenir booklet and working to plan a welcome party for the teams and daily breakfasts.

Those in attendance also heard from the Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Council. The first year for the YAC, they recently held their first event – a Color Run.

Christiana Staple, event coordinator for YAC, spoke briefly about the YAC and their mission.