Parks Group Connects Citizens, Government

The Parks and Recreation Citizen Advisory Committee forms a bridge between residents and city government when it comes to parks.

“We work hand in hand with the parks department to assist them in any way that we can,” committee chairwoman Michelle Keesal said. “We’re kind of like the grassroots link between Chesterfield citizens and city government.”

Aside from advising city council, Keesal said the committee has also taken on entire projects. Member Eileen Sellers said getting the word out to citizens about new city developments is another one of the committee’s roles. It helped market the new Chesterfield Amphitheater and . The committee plans to assist with at Eberwein Park in early September. It also hosts an Earth Day celebration each year.

In the past, it has helped plan events such as the September Stroll to promote health awareness. During the strool, a large group of residents and other city groups took a walk down Chesterfield Parkway.

The committee recently formed a subcommittee to plan an event that highlights all the parks in Chesterfield; no preliminary plans have been established yet.

Like Keesal, Sellers said committee members try to bridge the gap between politicians and citizens, and that the committee asks for different opinions in the community to take to city council.

“We talk to other people,” Sellers said. “We’ve definitely gotten opinions from other people. Obviously, Chesterfield doesn’t just go with what we say. They’ve done research and stuff like that. What they’re doing is they’re trying to take into account different viewpoints.”

Each of the four city wards is represented on the committee by a member, Keesal said. “Members on the committee are actually appointed by the mayor and represent their ward,” she said. The group meets monthly.

“We are very fortunate to have very dedicated members and work with very top-notch professional city staff,” Keesal said.

Chesterfield residents interested in helping on the committee should go through their city council representative, she suggested.

“I think from my perspective, it’s nice to have a voice,” Sellers said.