st. louis county parks annual report 2014

Where Fun Comes Naturally!(314) 615-4FUN www.stlouisco.com/parks

2014Annual Report

Where Fun Comes Naturally!(314) 615 - 4FUN www.stlouisco.com/parks

www.stlouisco.com

Our Mission...St. Louis County Parks and

Recreation Department’s mission is to provide high quality parks,

facilities, and recreation services that enhance residents’ lives

through responsible and effective management of resources.

2014 was a great year for St. Louis County Parks for many reasons, but one big reason is that it was the first full year that our department received funds from the successful passage of Proposition P. As you may recall, this was a 3/16ths of one-cent sales tax increase to fund improvements around the Gateway Arch, local parks and regional trails.

This funding has not only allowed our department to complete maintenance projects that have been on the “to do” list for many years, but has also allowed us to plan for the future and enrich our services and amenities to better serve our community.

We have also had the opportunity to create some exciting new recreational opportunities for our community with the opening of the first Water Trail in this area which is now located at Creve Coeur Park as well as the opening of the new aquatic center at the North County Recreational Complex. The Department also celebrated a couple of milestones with the 50th Anniversary of Suson Park in South St. Louis County and our first full year of partnering with Go Ape to run a treetop adventure course in Creve Coeur Park.

We have some great projects that were started this year and are planned to be completed in 2015 including our first Dog Park which is being built inside Queeny Park in West St. Louis County. Our community has been asking for a Dog Park for many years and we are really excited to be moving forward with this project that will truly be a destination for residents and visitors of the County to enjoy time with their four-legged friends.

Thank you again for your continued support of St. Louis County Parks. We are very proud of the advances we have made in 2014 and are looking forward to a very successful 2015.

Letter from the Director

Parks Department ManagementGary Bess, Director

Tom Ott , Deputy Director

Bob Mainieri, PPS/Historical Director

Kyra Kaltenbronn, Program Services Manager

Jim Gerken, Operations Manager

Carolyn Weingaertner, Fiscal Services Manager

John Nesbit , Chief Ranger

Paul Andrew, Design & Development Group Manager

Parks Department Advisory BoardErnestine Shivers-Jones, Chair

Diane Christy Denise Pott

Angie Hilzinger John Lorenz

Gary Otten Bob Nelson

Gerry Sander Don Zykan

Gary BessDirector, Saint Louis County Parks & Recreation(314) [email protected]

2014 Annual Report ● www.stlouisco.com

The Year in Numbers (Attendance)

COMMUNITY SERVICESCommunity Centers 190,566Pools 19,600Ice Skating Rinks 103,509Athletic Fields 200,860Programs 52,116

RENTALSArenas/Gyms 166,475Meeting Rooms 45,758Shelters 341,997Corporate Picnic Sites 17,460Wedding Sites 10,540Team Challenge / Alpine Tower 1,031

HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITESBissell House 3,850FLW House - Ebsworth Park 3,420Fort Belle Fontaine 19,266Jefferson Barracks Park 895,884Jefferson Barracks Museums 9,553Museum of Transportation 138,807Laumeier Sculpture Park 297,450Faust Historic Village / Thornhill 11,068

MARKETING & EVENTSFacebook Fans 33,063Instagram Followers 1,295Enewsletter Distribution 4,348Activity Guide Distribution 20,000Online Activity Guide Impressions 27,829 Special Event Attendance 320,969

TECHNOLOGY & MEDIA

Total Pageviews 1,642,319 Online Transactions 3,278

NATURAL RESOURCESTrees Removed 363Trees Planted 1,527Flowers Planted 9,243Total Acreage Mowed 41,516Cubic Yards of Trashed Removed 4,688 Acres of Land Acquired 15

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Parks

Golf Courses

Playgrounds

Recreation Centers

Athletic Fields

Ice Rinks

Picnic Shelters

Miles of Trails

Comfort Stations

Skate Park

Acres of Lakes

Boat Ramps

Tennis Courts

Total Acres

Cultural/Historic Sites

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Parks staff work tirelessly year-round to keep our parks, recreation centers and museums running and looking great. This year we were

able to fill many positions that will enable us to continue to expand and improve our programs, facilities, trails, waterways and green space.

We were sad to say goodbye to several long-time employees who spent a large part of their working years in the Saint Louis County Parks Department. Welcome to our new employees and congratulations to those who were promoted or retired!

Parks Staff

Scott BauerPark Ranger

Mike HepnerPark Ranger

Marty PehleMaintenance Worker IFaust Park

Nathaniel BennettMaintenance Worker IBella Fontaine Park

Cathy HoffmanSecretaryFiscal (Clayton)

Diane PfeifferSecretaryGreensfelder Rec. Complex

Michael BiedensteinComplex ManagerPavilion at Lemay

Ken JacksonMaintenance Worker IQueeny Park

David PooleBuilding Maintenance WorkerKennedy Rec. Complex

Kim BruningSecretaryNorth County Rec. Complex

Mika KornblumMuseum GuideFaust Park

David PoorMaintenance Worker ICreve Coeur Park

Stacey ClintonOffice Service CoordinatorAdministration (Clayton)

Sydney KuechlerOffice Service Rep.Laumeier Sculpture Park

Tim RaffertyMuseum GuideMuseum of Transportation

Larry DarnellMaintenance Worker IGreensfelder Park

Maureen LandgrafMuseum GuideMuseum of Transportation

Lori RitcheyMuseum EducatorFaust Park

Bryan DattoliMaintenance Worker IQueeny Park

Tommie LeeMaintenance Worker ICreve Coeur Park

Dominic RobbenMaintenance Worker IJefferson Barracks Park

Jodi DeGooyerPark Ranger Aide

David LewisMaintenance Worker IBuder Park

Cindy SchmittRanger Dispatcher

Scott DouglasRecreation Facility Coord.Greensfelder Rec. Complex

Pat MarshakMaintenance Driver IITrades - Asphalt

Mark SchoemehlRecreation Facility Coord.St. Vincent Community Center

Ace EatonRailroad MechaniceMuseum of Transportation

Teresa MilitelloMuseum CuratorMuseum of Transportation

Thomas SchweissMaintenance Worker IJefferson Barracks Park

Tabatha EsryRecreation Facility Coord.Affton Community Center

Jennifer MillerMaintenance Worker IJefferson Barracks Park

Tim SlazinikPark Ranger

Christina FollmerPark Ranger

Tara MortonRecreation Facility Coord.Laumeier Sculpture Park

Terry SpencerMaintenance Worker IBuder Park

Tracy FritzAccountant IFiscal Services (Clayton)

Rob NowakBuilding Maintenance WorkerKennedy Rec. Complex

Dwayne StaytonMaintenance Worker IMemorial Park

Josh GerlingBuilding Maintenance WorkerKennedy Rec. Complex

Brett OlsonRecreation SupervisorKennedy Rec. Complex

Doug TabachikAccountant IIIFiscal (Clayton)

Rich GroenemanPark Ranger

Harry PartlMaintenance Worker IGeorge Winter Park

Ken WatsonMaintenance Worker IQueeny Park

New Hires

Promotions• Craig Burgdorf, Maintenance

Supervisor, Faust Park • Mel Butler, Maintenance Worker II,

St. Vincent Comm. Ctr. • Kris Unger, Maintenance Worker II,

Jefferson Barracks Park • Ray Mertz, Maintenance Worker II,

Faust Park • Lisa Meyer, Maintenance Worker II,

Museum of Transportation • Temeka Moore, Accountant I, Fiscal • Bruce Thomas, MLSC, Creve Coeur Park • Harry Partl, Maintenance Worker II,

Bee Tree Park • Mark Stevens, Bldg. System Foreman,

Pavilion at Lemay • Jackie Robinson, Recreation

Supervisor, St. Vincent Comm. Ctr.

Retirements• Dave Ruzicka - 42 Years

• Ed Southards - 40 Years

• Larry Inabnit - 35 Years

• Wayne Chapman - 18 Years

• Gil DeNormandie - 15 Years

• Ted Link - 14 Years

• Nick Ohlman - 13 Years

• Orville Boyer - 11 Years

• Dennis Peachee - 8 Years

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The St. Louis County Parks programming staff work very hard to provide a variety of year-round activities and events for our residents

and surrounding community. We take great pride in being the regional park system for St. Louis County and are always striving to offer new and unique outings for individuals and families. There is always something happening in St. Louis County Parks!

Activities, Attractions & Events

Faust Summer Concert SeriesFaust Park

Art FairLaumeier Sculpture Park

WWII WeekendJefferson Barracks Park

JB BlastJefferson Barracks Park

Heritage FestivalFaust Park

HayridesVarious Parks

Harvest FestivalLaumeier Sculpture Park

Suson Farm FridaysSuson Park

Adult Egg HuntJefferson Barracks Park

Olden Days of SummerFaust Park

in the PARKFood Truck events


We saw another record-breaking year with our FEAST in the Park Food Truck Events. More than 23,450 people participated in this very popular event in 2014!

ATTENDANCE NUMBERS26,800

13,790

9,450

8,000

4,275

3,216

3,000

2,676

1,665

1,185

8,877Winter Wonder Walk

Attendance

25Proposals

21,325Carriage RideAttendance

104,775Vehicle Attendance

825Holiday Displays

5.7Miles of Extension

Cords

550Light Control

Channels

30Full-time and

Seasonal Staff to Set-Up

9Miles of Zip Cords

St. Louis County Parks relies heavily on our volunteers to help maintain beautiful County parks and facilities. In fact, many museums

and gift shops would not be able to open without our dedicated volunteers. Many of our gardening projects and most of our trail maintenance projects would not be completed without the efforts of our amazing volunteers who work year-round.

Parks Volunteers

Volunteer Hours & Value2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

96,787 97,735 103,681 103,714 115,447 115,901$1,888,314 $2,037,775 $2,214,626 $2,259,928 $2,555,997 $2,612,181

A Special Thanks to Our Partners

• St. Louis County Parks has an ongoing partnership with Gateway Off-Road Cyclists (GORC) volunteers who help us design, build and maintain our trails. GORC leads every Trail Crew event that we have.

• Thank you to the National Charity League-St. Louis Chapter, the Open Space Council-St. Louis Region, Lafayette High School Key Club, Chaminade College Prep, St. Louis University and St. Louis Community College-Meramec for their continued support.

• Thank you to the Missouri Botanical Garden and the University of Missouri Extension St. Louis Master Gardeners Program which help us recruit experienced gardening volunteers.

• Thank you to our corporate sponsors which include Arch Coal, Ernst & Young, Kohl’s, Marriott, Southwest Airlines and T-Mobile.

Our Volunteers Do It All!We have volunteer opportunities for all ages, talents and interests! From gardening to trail maintenance and museum attendants to honeysuckle removal, we truly have something for everyone. Some of the volunteer positions we are typically looking to fill include:

> Trail Crew > Museum Attendants> Trail Watch> Gardening> Honeysuckle removal> Farm Hands> Interns for various educational focuses

For more information, contact us at (314) 615-8865 or email [email protected]

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Park Rangers

With 71 parks, five recreational facilities and seven historic and cultural sites, our Park Rangers have a big job. Last year

our department employed 24 full-time rangers, 7 part-time rangers and 3 dispatchers. Not only do they keep our visitors, waterways and trails safe, but they design, develop and implement a wide variety of educational programs. These programs are offered on a year-round basis and are provided to the public at little or no cost.


Pop

ular

Ran

ger P

rogr

ams

Creve Coeur After Hours

Night in the Wild Campout

Full Moon Bike/Walk/Paddle

Team Challenge / Alpine Tower

Archery Lessons

Caving

Hikes & Dog Walks

Outdoor Skills

Fish Camps

Scout Badge Programs

Hayrides

The 185 Educational Programs that were provided by our Rangers were attended

by more than 4,000 people and brought in almost

$25,000 in revenue.

Thank You!Many of our programs are only made possible due to the generosity and dedication of valued partners. A big thank you to our following partners:

Alpine Shop

Creve Coeur Lake Rentals

Great Rivers Greenway

Missouri Department of Conservation

South County Archers

National Recreation & Park Association

SafetyStatistics

Summons for Ordinance Violations (243)

Traffic CitationsIssued (317)

Written Reports (553)

On Friday, August 1, 2014, Saint Louis County Parks held a dedication ceremony for its newest park, Schaefer Bend. The 15.5-acre park, located in unincorporated North St. Louis County, was purchased from Ronald W. Schaefer whose family

had used the property for their business, Schaefer-Meyer Grading Division, Inc., since the 1960s.

The park is located within the Sunland Hills subdivision and will provide increased property value, a sense of community and the promotion of an active lifestyle to the 13,772 homes that are within a two mile radius.

Most of the property is open space but does also include on-site amenities such as three buildings, utilities and a parking lot which will all be beneficial when planned developments such as trails are added to the existing space.

St. Louis County Opens 71st Park

In the summer of 2014, Saint Louis County Parks partnered with Great Rivers Greenway to bring the first

water trail to the St. Louis area. The Creve Coeur Water trail, located on Creve Coeur Lake, is over four miles long and takes participants on a journey across the lake and up the creek to discover the unique history of the park as well as the natural flora and fauna. Points of interest on the trail include markers with interpretive information being available from a brochure or scanning the available QR codes with a smart phone. The markers can be read from 14 feet away and are double-sided so the

information will also be readable for those on the walking trail. “This is a really popular National trend,” said Kyra Kaltenbronn, St. Louis County Park’s Program Services Manager. “We are always looking for

new and exciting ways to provide active lifestyle opportunities to the residents of St. Louis County. We are really excited to be on the cutting edge of this new type of water adventure.” A Kick-Off event was held on Saturday, July 26 and included a trail dedication and a Poker Paddle in which the community had the opportunity to try out the new trail while collecting playing cards. Prizes were awarded to the teams with the best poker hand.

New Water Trail Developed atCreve Coeur Park

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Recreation Centers

The Parks Department has five recreation centers located throughout St. Louis County that provide our residents with

programs, activities and amenities that promote an active lifestyle. Our department realizes the impact these facilities have on the community, so a great amount of time and resources are put into keeping them up-to-date and in great shape for visitors. Our staff work diligently to ensure that we are providing great programming and activity opportunities that help keep our residents active and healthy.


North County Recreation ComplexVeterans Memorial Park2577 Redman Road * St. Louis, MO 63136

St. Vincent Community CenterSt. Vincent Park7335 St. Charles Rock Rd. * St. Louis, MO 63133

Affton White-Rodgers Community Center9801 Mackenzie Road * St. Louis, MO 63123

The Pavilion at Lemay (Opening 2015!)Jefferson Barracks Park305 Gregg Road * St. Louis, MO 63125

Kennedy Recreation Complex6050 Wells Road * St. Louis, MO 63128

Greensfelder Recreation ComplexQueeny Park550 Weidman Road * St. Louis, MO 63011

Laumeier Sculpture Park ended 2014 with its Sculpting the Future Capital Campaign at 92% of its total $10 million goal.

St. Louis County is the single largest contributor to the Sculpting the Future Capital Campaign with its investment of $3 million for the construction of the new Adam Aronson Fine Arts Center (opening in 2015) and the renovation of Laumeier’s 1917 Estate House into the new Kranzberg Education Lab.

Cultural & Historic Sites

The Museum of Transportation was enjoyed by nearly 140,000 visitors during 2014. Guests included automotive enthusiasts

during ten car shows, rail fans witnessing the departure and arrival of historic locomotives and passenger cars, school groups completing curriculum requirements and groups attending from overseas. During the inaugural “Go By Train!” event, visitors were able to ride both historic streetcars and railroad speeders experience first-hand our railroading heritage.

The St. Louis Carousel in Faust Park had a great year due to financial diligence and hard work. The resulting revenue

gains are being re-invested back into the building to remodel the interior space used for rentals such as birthday parties, business meetings and weddings.

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The Historic Village at Faust Park hosted one of its most successful Heritage Festivals ever in 2014. Staff also continued

work on the two new structures that were recently moved to the Village; the Spanish Lake Blacksmith Shop and the Mercantile Building. The Spanish Lake Blacksmith Shop should be completed by mid-summer 2015.

As St. Louis County Parks continues to create beautiful locations for happy couples to wed, we are always

working to ensure that these locations are the perfect place for that perfect day. In 2014, the Bissell Barn at the Bissell Wedding Garden was updated to create the perfect spot for a wedding reception for those saying their vows within the amazing nearby wedding garden. A new wood floor was installed and major renovations were completed on the restrooms to make them ADA accessible.

Completed Projects

PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT/RESURFACING● Bee Tree Park ● Bella Fontaine ● Buder Park● Spanish Lake Park● Lemay Park

PARKING LOT/PARK ROAD IMPROVEMENTS● Affton Community Center● Museum of Transportation● Queeny Park

PAVILION & SHELTER IMPROVEMENTS● Greensfelder shelter at Creve Coeur Park● Picnic Site #2 at McDonnell Park● Queeny Park

WEDDING SITE IMPROVEMENTS● New floor in Bissell Barn● ADA accessible restroom in Bissell Barn

HVAC SYSTEM/UNIT REPLACEMENTS● Affton Community Center● Bissell House Mansion● Museum of Transportation Lindberg Building● Kennedy Recreation Complex Arena

LIGHTING RETROFITS● Gym lighting at Affton Community Center● Gym lighting at St. Vincent Community Center● Disabled-users parking lot at Greensfelder Recreation Complex

FACILITY MAINTENANCE/IMPROVEMENTS● Replaced HVAC system in Hoch House at Faust Park● Serviced main electrical switch gear and installed a new natural gas fuel line at Kennedy Recreation Complex● Replaced carpet in the warming room at Kennedy Recreation Complex● Replaced the sanitary sewerage pumping system for the Creve Coeur Park Sailboat Cove public restroom● Removed all remaining underground fuel tanks installed for parks staff use and replaced the tanks with above ground storage tanks at seven sites.● Design and construction of 800 square feet retaining wall up to 10 feet high for the planned trolley line extension and station at the Lindberg Building at the Museum of Transportation● Replaced porch deck and railing at Jarville House (Dog Museum) in Queeny Park● Painted exterior including asbestos containing material abatement and lead hazard control measures at #20 Hancock (Jefferson Barracks) and Laumeier Park Gatehouse


During 2014, the Design and Development Group (DDG) produced Bidding Documents for 19 formal Invitation to Bids, totaling $1.625 million, issued through St Louis County Procurement and using 2014 County Park Appropriated funds.

For other projects involving primarily In house Parks Trades crews, DDG produce bidding documents for 6 projects, as requests for quotes, totaling $92,300, as bid through St Louis County Procurement and using 2014 County Park Appropriated funds.

ROOF REPLACEMENTS/REPAIRS● Mansard roof replacement on Kennedy Recreation Complex● Roof replacement on Granary Building, Bright Barn and Lamella Barn at Faust Park● Roof replacement on #533 Grant Road Building at Jefferson Barracks Park● Roof repairs on Laumeier Estate House

OTHER PROJECTS● North Gate renovation at Jefferson Barracks Park

PARK IMPROVEMENTS/DEVELOPMENTS• Park Improvements at Ohlendorf West Park

included a new walkway, playground, disabled user access and a drinking fountain. Made possible by a special funding allocation from the Emergency Communications Commission as this park site includes the County’s new E-911 Center.

• Pond Improvements at Bohrer Park were completed, addressing a long term leak problem resolved with sinkhole treatments.

• The new playground and restroom at Bon Oak Park was completed and was funded by a Community Development Block Grants and federal Land and Water Conservation Grant.

• The new $5 million aquatic facility at North County Recreation Complex was completed using proceeds and funding from the County Port Authority.

The division of Natural Resources within the Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for providing for the health, inspiration and education of the people of St. Louis County by helping to preserve the County’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

NATURAL RESOURCES PROJECTS• Seeded 15 acres at Lone Elk Park with prairie

grasses and wildflowers with a grant from the Fish & Wildlife Service

• Staff completed a 6 acre project area in Winter Park that was planted with native prairie grasses and wildflowers as well as 420 native trees and shrubs. A 0.6 acre wetland was also created by tapping into a nearby spring. This project was possible by a grant by the Fish & Wildlife Service

• Planted 600 trees in the Back to Nature Project Area at Queeny Park

• Staff conducted a bat survey with the Missouri Department of Conservation that was open to the public at Queeny Park.

• Staff hosted a Back to Nature event at Queeny Park for the public. Informational booths from partners were available as well as activities such as tree planting, bird banding, aquatic invertebrate collecting and bird watching.

• Park staff shredded honeysuckle and box elder trees in 30 acres of the Back to Nature project site at Queeny Park

• Park staff conducted a prescribed burn at Lone Elk Park

• Park staff assisted the St. Louis Audubon Society volunteers on four events to remove honeysuckle at Creve Coeur Park

• Staff attended a native plant workshop, an invasive species workshop and toured a St. Charles County Park with regard to habitat restoration.

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The property on which the North County Recreation Complex now sits was purchased

by St. Louis County in 1969 with the intent to build a recreation complex and golf course. Hastings and Chivetta designed the recreation complex with construction beginning in October of 1974. On May 29, 1976 dedication ceremonies were held for all veterans.

Nearly three decades later, in 2003, Hastings & Chivetta prepared a new master plan with input from the community, to begin renovation of the aging building. The three-phase plan began in 2008 with the closing of the ice rink, which was replaced by a multi-purpose gymnasium and walking track. The entrance was also renovated and a new 1,760 sq. ft. meeting room was added. The final phase of the interior renovations, which was completed in fall 2013, included the development of a new fitness area with state-of-the-art equipment and free weights. By the end of the project, more than $3.2 million had been dedicated to the improvement of the North County Recreation Center.

It was realized during this time, that the outdoor pool was also in need of repair. Settling concrete, out-dated plumbing and leaks caused the closing of the pool in the summer of 2012. We knew that by leaving the pool drained and empty, we were failing the North County community and that it was our responsibility to continue providing this service to the people of North County.

Input from the community was essential when deciding what would replace the existing pool. Residents were surveyed and more than 95% voted for the addition of a water park. With funding from the St. Louis Economic Council and the Port Authority, the Parks Department was able to fulfill a need in this growing community in addition to providing a fun-filled destination for the families of North County.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the North County Recreation Complex on November 5, 2013 and the new $5 million aquatic center opened in August 2014. The new facility includes a leisure pool with lap lanes and a one-meter diving board, a tot pool with a dolphin slide and cascading water feature, a lazy river with a spray feature, three slides, an interactive play structure with spray jets, water basketball and water volleyball, shade structures, pool deck furniture, inner tubes and a family changing room.

“We want residents to know that we are here to serve them, first and foremost,” said St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger. “It’s important that kids and their families have safe, affordable places to gather and play. This is about investing in the community and making it a better place to live.”

As with all County Parks facilities, this new aquatic center is open to everyone and admission prices are kept low to ensure all residents can enjoy a place to cool off this summer. Admission is $4.00 for kids ages 4-12 and adults 65 or older and $5.00 for kids and adults 12-64. Kids 3 and under are free. The aquatic center is open from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day weekend, everyday from Noon - 6 p.m.

New Aquatic Center Opens at North County

Recreation Complex

In April 2014, the curators at Jefferson Barracks Park opened a new exhibition entitled “The Homefront: V-Mail-Email”

inside the Old Ordnance Room. The exhibit ran until the end of the year and was free and open to the public with more than 4,600 visitors walking through. The exhibit asked visitors questions such as “How does war affect your life?” and “How should war affect your life?” The exhibit included a diverse set of objects, documents

and images which explored the incredible unity and sacrifice of WWII, the division of Vietnam and the current status of life on the homefront during wartime. Through these photographs and artifacts, visitors could experience how American life and culture were affected by war beginning with WWII.

Some of the most powerful artifacts that were on display in the 1,500 square foot gallery space included a 1943 gun turret manufactured at Emerson Electric in St. Louis, original supplies found in a Missouri fallout shelter and a jersey worn by St. Louis Browns player George Archie during his time playing for a military league at Jefferson Barracks. In addition, visitors could engage with media interactives like the collection of propaganda videos from different eras and interviews with soldiers discussing the challenges of staying connected to home.

The museum will host a new exhibit in 2015 entitled, “Courageous and Faithful: The Cavalry at Jefferson Barracks,” which will highlight through photographs, artifacts and hands-on interactives that Jefferson Barracks was not only the birthplace, but the heart of the American Cavalry.

Homefront Exhibit Gives a Glimpse of How War Affects Our Lives

Rangers Offer New ADA Accessible HayridesIn fall 2013, the St. Louis County Parks and Recreation carpentry

crew researched, designed and built a new hay wagon that makes this annual autumn tradition available to everyone. Park Ranger Tim Emmons was one of the driving forces behind the conception of the idea.

“During past hay rides, we had trouble getting individuals that had special needs onto and out of standard wagons,” said Emmons.

“These events are supposed to encourage community and inclusion, so we came up with a plan to build an accessible hay wagon to accommodate those with disabilities, especially those with walkers and wheelchairs. The overall goal is to provide independence in a safe and comfortable environment where everyone can relax and have fun.”

The accessible wagon was built to hold 6-8 wheelchairs or carry 10-12 people with walkers. The wagon is designed to be sturdy and is adjustable to accommodate wheelchairs of all sizes and weight and is accessible via a removable ramp. There is also an elevated area in the front for friends and family to enjoy the ride together. It is driven on flat trails in parks like Creve Coeur, Cliff Cave, Fort Belle Fontaine, Greensfelder and Jefferson Barracks.

This year the accessible hayrides were held on October 3 & 4 at Creve Coeur Park and during these two evenings, 54 individuals with a variety of special needs were able to enjoy a hayride, some for the first time in their lives. After the hayride, a bonfire, complete with marshmallows was provided for the guests.

“It feels really great to be able to provide this opportunity to our disabled community,” said Emmons. “One of my favorite memories is of a 73-year-old woman who attended the event and roasted a marshmallow for the first time in her life. Its certainly an unforgettable experience for us and hopefully for them as well.”

On The HorizonThe Pavilion at LemayThis brand new facility located within Jefferson Barracks Park will be completed and opened in spring 2015. The Saint Louis Port Authority, River City Casino and St. Louis County Parks and Recreation partnered to bring this new state-of-the-art facility to the Lemay community. The Pavilion has a gymnasium, fitness center (with both cardio and strength equipment), indoor walking track, tot care room, group exercise studio, meeting rooms and full shower and locker room facilities. The outdoor aquatic center has a kiddie play structure, lap lanes, lazy river, climbing wall, two diving boards and water slide. The Pavilion at Lemay also has several great areas to rent for your next party or meeting including two meeting rooms, gymnasium, party room and large balcony overlooking the pool.

Adam Aronson Fine Arts CenterLaumeier Sculpture Park is looking forward to the completion and opening of this new $4 million building named in honor of one of the co-founders of the Park. The Fine Arts Center will be the new focal point of the Park, offering a large open gallery space, reception area, collections storage, conservation space and facilities for professional use. The building will allow for a dynamic dialogue between the outdoor and indoor artworks, expanding visitors’ understanding of place through contemporary art.

Dog Park at Queeny ParkSaint Louis County Parks is excited to be opening its first Dog Park located inside Queeny Park in West St. Louis County. The new Dog Park will feature separate fenced in areas for small and large breed dogs as well as an area for special events. There will also be the opportunity for the community to purchase bricks on a memorial walkway to honor those furry friends who have passed. Space will be available to rent for private training events, special events such as doggie birthday parties. This unique Dog Park is scheduled to open in Fall 2015. A Dog Park has consistently been on the community’s “wish list” and we are very excited to offer this new destination to all of our four-legged friends in St. Louis County.

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Since its grand opening in July 2013, Go Ape - Creve Coeur Park completed its first full year of operation in 2014. Nearly 12,500 people took the opportunity to experience this unique outdoor experience that allows participants to live life

adventurously and see Creve Coeur Park from a new vantage point. This treetop adventure course is highly interactive and provides visitors with 2-3 hours of outdoor fun and exercise. Participants are equipped with harnesses, pulleys and carabineers and receive a 30-minute training session before they are turned loose into the forest canopy. The course features five ziplines, including the first skateboard zipline in the Midwest, two Tarzan swings and over 40 other challenging and fun obstacles. The course also offers different paths designed for all skill levels.

“St. Louis County Parks is very pleased with our partnership with Go Ape and how successful the course in Creve Coeur Park has been,” said St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Tom Ott. “We are always looking for new and exciting recreational programs and activities for our residents. Not only is this a really unique way for our residents to experience the outdoors, but it is truly a destination that draws visitors and tourist to St. Louis County and Creve Coeur Park.”

In summer 2014, St. Louis County’s popular Suson Park celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Suson Park opened its gates in 1964 and has been

a fixture of the South County community, providing an excellent place for outdoor fun and recreation.

The park, along with most of its present buildings and lakes, was bought from Sidney Salomon Jr. in 1962. Salomon was a well-known figure in St. Louis as the owner of Sportsmen’s Park,

and later, the Arena. He also became the first owner of the St. Louis Blues hockey team. The park’s name is derived from combination of both of his children’s names, Susan and Sonny. The park’s two most popular attractions, its three fishing lakes and working animal farm, have been there from the very beginning. The working animal farm remains Suson Park’s most unique feature and showcases most breeds of farm animals, giving visitors a first- hand look at farm life. The park also includes reservable picnic shelters, picnic sites, a playground and restrooms. To celebrate this milestone, we made our final Farm Friday of the year even bigger and better! On Friday, September 12, kids took part in pony rides, hayrides, face painting, fishing, barn tours, a scavenger hunt and a puppet show.

Suson Park Celebrates 50 Years


Department Financials

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2014 Revenue SourcesGAAP Basis (unaudited)

● Property Tax | 41.4%● Sales Tax | 27.3%● Metro Parks Sales Tax | 15.5%● Rents & Concessions | 6.8%● Parks & Recreation Charges | 3.6%● Other Revenue | 1.0%● Other Revenue Debt Service | 4.1%● Investment Earnings | 0.3%

2014 ExpendituresBudget Basis (unaudited)

● Salaries | 41.6%● Fringes | 17.7%● Purchased Services | 17.3%● Commodities | 7.0%● Personal Allowances | 0.2%● Other Expenses | 5.6%● Transfer Payments | 3.7%● Capital Allowances | 6.9%

2015 Budgeted Revenue SourcesSales Tax $6,334,500

Property Tax $11,240,256

Metro Parks Sales Tax $4,007,900

Rents & Concessions $1,899,730

Parks & Rec Charges $1,181,620

Other Revenue $468,400

Other Revenue - Debt Service* $1,127,138

Investment Earnings $46.650

Form Fund Balance $2,545,810

TOTAL $28,852.004*Includes the budgets of $1,127,193 Debt Service

2015 Budgeted ExpendituresSalaries $12,439,472

Fringes $5,329,610

Purchased Services $5,316,411

Commodities $1,987,090

Personal Allowances $85,000

Other Expenses* $1,772,852

Transfer Payments $1,093,100

Capital Allowances $828,469

TOTAL $28,852.004*Includes the budgets of $1,127,193 Debt Service

Saint Louis County Parks & RecreationAdministrative Offices41 S. Central Avenue, 7th FloorClayton, Missouri

(314) 615-4FUN | www.stlouisco.com/parks