As the City of Creve Coeur Recreation Director, I had the pleasure of meeting with residents and businesses at two Parks & Recreation Community Forums held at the Dielmann Recreation Complex located at 11400 Olde Cabin Rd., on October 9 and October 11. Assistant Director of Recreation Tim Brinks and I hosted the meetings. Mayor Barry Glantz and Councilman AJ Wang were also present along with more than a dozen members of the community.

An overview of the seven municipal parks and activities at the golf course and ice arena was provided followed by recommendations from forum attendees including: trail improvements, additional trash collection in parks, increased oversight of tennis court usage, year-round restrooms at some parks and tree replacements due to heat-related stress this year. Some of these improvements have already slated to take place by Public Works crews in the near future.

Discussion also included ideas for new or expanded programs and events held in the parks. Attendees voted for the top activities they would like to see offered in the parks from a list of 35 different program ideas. The highest ranked activities by forum attendees included: 1) Music/Concerts in the Park; 2) Farmer’s Market; 3) Fall Festival/Arts Festival; 4) Nature Walks; and 5) Youth Activities/Classes.

Creve Coeur is fortunate to have so many residents who care deeply about the recreational amenities offered in our community. I encourage Creve Coeur residents interested in staying actively involved in parks and recreation activities to apply to serve on the Parks and Recreation Committee. This 7-member volunteer committee meets quarterly to provide input into the planning and operation of the city's leisure time activities and make recommendations to City Council regarding recreation programs, facility improvements, fee structures, conduct parks and facilities assessments and assist with long range planning. Applications are available online at www.creve-coeur/apply or contact Deborah Ryan, City Clerk, at dryan@ci.creve-coeur.mo.us or 314-872-2517 for more information. 

The City of Creve Coeur staff and elected officials sincerely appreciate the individuals who took the time out of their busy schedules to attend the forums. For residents unable to attend one of the forums, a survey is available online now through October 31 on the city’s website at www.creve-coeur.org/recreationsurvey.

Sincerely,

Kirsten Barnes
Director of Recreation
City of Creve Coeur
314-872-2570
kbarnes@ci.creve-coeur.mo.us