Summer 2024  |  The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department has recently finished the renovation of the Cape Aquatic Center.

Cape Aquatic Center, formally called ‘Central Pool of The Bubble”, was first built in 1979 and opened to the public in March 1980. In February of 2023, the aquatic facility began renovations. Many improvements were made during this renovation period including replacing the bubble with a permanent structure, renovating the pool basin, installing all new mechanical systems, new starting blocks and many upgrades, making improvements to the bath house.

Penzel Construction out of Jackson, MO was the General Contractor in partnership with Capri Pools and Aquatics as the pool contractor.

This facility is proud to be home to the Cape Central Tigers, Notre Dame Bulldogs, Saxony High School Crusaders and the River City Aquatics Club Team.

The City of Cape Girardeau held a Ribbon Cutting on May 10, 2024. Speakers included Doug Gannon, Parks and Recreation Director, Mayor Stacey Kinder, Dr. Howard Benyon, Superintendent of Cape Public Schools, Phil Penzel, CEO Penzel Construction, Rowdy Gaines, Olympic gold medalist and NBC swimming analyst, and Penny Williams, Recreation Division Manager.

This project was funded by the Parks, Recreation Stormwater Tax passed in 2018. This is the fifth completed project of the PRS2 Initiative. Other completed PRS projects included Jefferson Park playground, restroom and shelter, Capaha Park pond and garden improvements, Osage Centre facility mechanical upgrade and Ranney Park improvements including a renovated shelter and new restroom.

The address for Cape Aquatic Center is 1920 Whitener St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

For additional information regarding Cape Aquatic Center, please visit our website at www.cityofcape.org/aquatics or reach out to our Aquatics Supervisor, Robert Shanahan, at rshanahan@cityofcape.org.

Submitted by Molly Galik, Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation

Article courtesy of Missouri Parks and Recreation Magazine – Summer 2024