Fall family fun at Parks and Rec Center in Cape lets families unwind

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – There are hayrides through the neighborhood, fire burning ready for smores and families taking a break before the start of another busy work week. 

At Shawnee Parks and Recreation Center in Cape Girardeau they host events free for kids and families all throughout the year to give a chance to unwind and relax and also meet other families in the community. 

Kaitlyn Pritchett is a Cape Girardeau mom of two and she is here at this event with her two kids and her cousins. She says it’s nice to have time with family outside of the holidays and just enjoy the weekend. 

“I would say yeah it’s very relaxing to be able to take the kids out and just have a good day,” said Pritchett.

Pritchett also enjoys coming to these events to see other families in the community. She knows some and others she doesn’t but it’s a good way to make new friends. 

“We saw a couple of people. It definitely feels like they are building a community,” said Pritchett.

Overall, for Pritchett she is happy for the opportunity to be able to be with her family. 

“I think just being together here as a family as a whole,” said Pritchett. 

Jason Mayfield works in Senior Maintenance for Parks and Recreation for the City of Cape and has for about a year now. He doesn’t mind spending his weekend helping set up and drive kids on the hayride as long as he gets to see them smile and have fun. 

“To see the smiles on the kids’ faces it means a lot to the kids in this area that may not be able to do these kinds of things any other time so anything to make the kids smile,” said Mayfield. 

Mayfield expects to continue to help and be a part of these events throughout the year if it means that kids have some free time and get to have fun outside of school. 

“I’d love to keep doing this year after year. It’s fun giving back to the community and watching the community come together here.”

Mayfield and families are eager for more events coming up in the month of December at the Parks and Rec Center in Cape.