Take a Hike: Top 5 Spots for Fall Excursions in Chesterfield

Celebrate the arrival of Fall by spending some time outdoors.

Today marks the first day of Fall and there's no better way to enjoy it than by taking a long walk, so Patch asked Thomas McCarthy, Chesterfield's Director of Parks and Recreation, about his top five spots for outdoor excursions around the city.  An avid runner, McCarthy said spending some time outdoors is all about adding to your quality of life. "[It's great] just to be outside and see what's going on and enjoy the nature, the wild life and the fresh air," he said.  For trail maps and more information, visit the city's website or call the parks department at 636-812-9500.

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Get Ready for Fall with Chesterfield's Guide to the Season's Activites

Concerts, 5k runs and festivals abound this year.

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County Parks Commission Avoids Public Input Despite Tax Million$

The St. Louis County Municipal Parks Commission doesn’t want any input from the public.

In the past seven years, Chesterfield has gotten more money for parks from the St. Louis County Park Grants Commission than any other municipality, raking in $1.45 million. The next closest cites were Florissant, Kirkwood and Webster Groves. From 2003 to 2010, the nine members of the Park Grants Commission awarded $24.7 million in grants, total. Who administers the money? The staff of the St. Louis County Municipal League runs the administration of the Grants Commission. The Municipal League is a lobbying group to look out for the interest of municipalities in Jefferson City and with the County Council. If you live in a municipality you are paying for the staff through dues charged to member cities. Commission members are elected by mayors…

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Chesterfield Award Goes to Girl Scouts for First Time

It's always been Boy Scouts, apparently, awarded an environmental designation.

Girl Scout West Middle Troop 2534 got an environmental award from the City of Chesterfield Monday, for working in the city's parks. The Stellar Green Youth Team designation has 45 previous honorees, officials said. The four scouts—Tracy Booth, Nicole Moore, Mariel McMindes, Lauren Schumacher—were working to earn the highest rank in Middle Scouts, the Silver Award. They are designing a butterfly garden for the city's newest park, Eberwein. Girl Scouts from Cadette Troop 1688 led opening flag ceremonies Monday at a regular Chesterfield City Council meeting—posting the colors and reciting the Girl Scout pledge. Mayor Gieger also recognized the upcoming 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of America in 2012, with a proclamation. Scouting runs …

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City Was Smart to Tear Down Eberwein House

Let’s be honest, the Eberwein farmhouse was never architecturally significant.

There's a lot going on at the site of new Eberwein Park on Old Baxter Road, but one large thing is missing. The 115-year-old clapboard farmhouse has been razed. The city council correctly voted to do this in January. Construction is going full speed ahead on the new 18-acre park, which the city hopes to open on Aug. 1. The debate to save and use the farmhouse struck me as crazy. The house was not architecturally significant or unique to Missouri. There are hundreds of similar houses in rural Missouri with families still living in them. But if the Eberwein House were saved, what would Chesterfield have done with it? Several area cities have saved architecturally unique homes and incorporated them into parks. Crestwood has the Sappington …

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Take a Walk Around Riparian Trail, Chesterfield's Amphitheater

Several big city projects are just about done at Chesterfield Central Park and the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. Take a peek!

It's a big year for Chesterfield parks. Several projects that have been in the works for years will be completed in the next few months. The city's dog park at Eberwein Park should open by the end of summer. Planned improvements, including new fields and concession stands, at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex are being wrapped up as little leaguers start to hit the fields. Down at Central Park, things are hopping, too. The first phase of the Riparian Trail, near Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center, is weeks away from completion. Plus, in case you haven't heard, the amphitheater and the nearby path around the lake will be complete in time for a big grand opening bash on May 21.  It's more than enough to seem daunting, but Mike Geisel…

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