Cape Girardeau’s new youth sports complex takes shape as turf installation begins

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – Crews are laying turf on the first fields at Cape Girardeau’s new youth sports complex, marking major progress on a $4.5 million project expected to open in early 2026.

The five-field complex, located next to Shawnee Park Sports Complex, is designed for baseball and softball players ages 8 to 15.

Parks and Recreation Director Doug Gannon said the expansion meets growing demand for tournament play.

“Travel sports is really gaining popularity, and Cape Girardeau is a very popular destination for travel sports,” Gannon said. “We’re going to have the opportunity to draw much larger tournaments. We’re going to be a much more appealing destination for tournaments.”

The facility will feature artificial turf in the infields and natural grass outfields, reducing rain delays and rescheduling.

Recreation Division Manager Scott Williams said the upgrade will help guarantee games even after heavy rain.

“The artificial turf will bring the ability, if we have any rain that occurs during a tournament, as soon as it stops raining with minimal time for drainage, it will be ready to play,” Williams said.

Tournament growth is already underway, with events scheduled nearly every weekend from mid-March through October.

Some weekends could bring 80 to 90 teams to southeast Missouri.

“Good things happen when people come to town for these types of events,” Gannon said. “They stay in hotels, they eat in restaurants, they shop at convenience stores, they buy gas locally.”

The complex will boost the local economy and position Cape Girardeau as a regional sports hub.

The project is scheduled for completion in time for the spring season.

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