The Cape Girardeau City Council on Jan. 6 approved construction of a new youth outdoor sports complex and a linked expansion of Sportsplex parking to address overflow during tournaments, and it adopted a no-parking ordinance for nearby streets tied to the project.

The actions matter because the complex and parking expansion are components of the voter-approved PRS 2 program and are intended to support sports tourism, reduce unsafe street parking and consolidate recreational facilities along Highway 74.

Council voted on three related items. First, the council approved Bill 25-03, authorizing the city manager to contract with Pencil Construction Company, Inc., to build the youth outdoor sports complex. City staff said the project was identified under PRS 2 and followed an RFP process that received six proposals; Pencil Construction was selected after shortlisting and interviews. Staff told the council clearing will start in late winter with dirt work in spring and early summer; staff indicated the project aims to have fields available by February 2026 and to host larger tournaments in April 2026.

Second, the council approved Bill 25-02, a second amendment to a settlement agreement with Mid America Hotel Corporation and members of the Drury family that allows development of a 2.4-acre parcel near Jim Drury Way and Limbaugh Lane for additional Sportsplex parking. Doug Gannon said, "It's gonna add 293 additional spots," and staff described the new lot as a commercial-base gravel surface with two curb cuts and measures to control runoff and protect turf.

Third, the council approved Bill 25-07, an amendment to the city code creating no-parking zones on several nearby streets to reduce dangerous parking patterns around the Sportsplex. City staff said the administration will coordinate timing so no-parking signage is implemented concurrent with the lot's opening to avoid removing existing ad-hoc parking before the new lot is available.

Council members and a public speaker emphasized the projects' connection to voter-approved PRS funding and to economic benefits from sports tourism; a public commenter described the project as overdue and said it will make the Jefferson Aquatic Center and the broader complex more visible and accessible from Highway 74.

The council approved all three measures by voice vote during the meeting. Construction timing and some operational details will be set by public-works and parks-and-recreation staff as the projects move from contract to site work.