⚡️ Chesterfield to Sell Land, Book Fair Returns

👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

  • 🏞️ Chesterfield to Sell Land

  • 📚 St. Louis Book Fair Returns

  • 🎳 State Bowling Champs

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

Jared Michel

In honor of Earth Day on Monday, Hidden Valley Ski Resort posted this beautiful winter sunset from this past winter:

THE DIGEST

🏞️ Chesterfield to Sell 17 Acres to TSG for $500K

The city of Chesterfield plans to sell a 16.95-acre parcel of land to The Staenberg Group (TSG) for $500,000. The property, located south of Lowe's in the Chesterfield Valley, is currently part of a stormwater reservoir but has been deemed excess by the city. If the sale goes through, TSG will be responsible for maintaining the entire area, and up to 10 acres may be developed after going through the proper planning process.

🏗️ Woods Mill Center Redevelopment Plan Stalls

The redevelopment plan for Woods Mill Center faced scrutiny at the April 17 Town & Country Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. The developer reduced the proposed homes from 80 to 72, increased greenspace to 48%, and made other changes. While some commissioners and residents supported the plan, others expressed concerns about density and fit with the city's character. The commission ultimately voted 6-3 against recommending approval.

🌄 Experience Elk & Bison at Sunrise in Lone Elk Park

Lone Elk Park is offering a limited number of Special Access Passes, allowing guests to get up close to the park's elk and bison herds during their morning feeding. The passes, which cost $20 per car (for up to 10 people), are available for select days throughout the spring and summer but are expected to sell out quickly due to limited space. Learn more / register here.

🥒 The Mysterious Des Peres Pickle Jar Phenomenon

Who would've thought that a jar of pickles could become a town's claim to fame? In Des Peres, a mysterious roadside attraction has been tickling the fancy of locals and internet users since 2012: a jar filled with pickles, plonked on the median near the I-270 Manchester exit. Nicknamed "The Pickle Jar" on Google Maps, this quirky landmark has become a beloved symbol of community spirit. Despite its murky origins, the Des Peres pickle jar has gained international attention, proving that sometimes, it's the little things that make a big dill!

LOCAL BUSINESS

🎳 West County Lanes Hosts State Bowling Tourney

Lafayette High School's bowling team claimed victory among 22 teams at last week’s state high school bowling tournament held at West County Lanes in Ellisville. The team's outstanding performance secured their title as State Champions.

Source: West County Lanes

📚 Greater St. Louis Book Fair returns May 2-5

The 74th annual Greater St. Louis Book Fair, the largest charity book fair in the Midwest, will be held from May 2-5 at Queeny Park. The fair features a wide variety of books, collectibles, and rare items, with proceeds benefiting local literacy programs. Line tickets go on sale at 8am on Thursday, May 2. Admission is $15 on opening day (Thursday) and free Friday through Sunday.

SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS

🎓 12 West County Students Named MO Scholars 100

Twelve high school seniors from Parkway, Rockwood, and Valley Park school districts have been recognized by the 2024 Missouri Scholars 100 program. Eleven students were selected for the prestigious list, while Angelina Dern from Valley Park High School earned an Honorable Mention. The statewide program, sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MoASSP), honors Missouri's top graduating students for their outstanding academic achievements.

Rockwood

📝 Rockwood Accepting Applications for Board Seat

Rockwood is looking for candidates to fill a vacant Board of Education seat. Applications are being accepted through May 6 at the Administrative Office. The Board will interview candidates and appoint a new member on May 30th. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, Rockwood resident, and at least 24 years old. Learn more here.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Ballwin

🏌️‍♂️ Glow-in-the-Dark Golf Returning to Ballwin

Ballwin Golf Course is hosting its popular glow-in-the-dark golf event next week. Grab your friends, family, and glow sticks for a unique 6-hole night golfing experience, complete with LED golf balls, music, and a well-lit patio. Learn more / register here.

Chesterfield

🛣️ Chesterfield Wins $1.8M Grant for Pathway

Chesterfield has secured a $1.832 million federal grant to complete the final phase of its Pathway on the Parkway project. The project will create a continuous pedestrian route along Chesterfield Parkway and Schoettler Road, closing the last remaining gap in the pathway loop. The new sections will be built to current ADA design standards. Learn more here.

💦 Lifeguards Trained, Key Tags Ready

The Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center is prepared for a safe and fun summer with newly certified lifeguards. Also, don’t forget to pick up your key tags tomorrow, 12-7 pm.

Source: Chesterfield Aquatic Center

Des Peres

🌳 Des Peres Removes Invasive Bradford Pear Trees

The city of Des Peres is taking steps to remove invasive Bradford pear trees and replace them with native species. Despite their popularity, Bradford pears are prone to breaking, can damage infrastructure, and reduce biodiversity due to their shallow roots and dense foliage.

Eureka

🚚 Big Truck & Safety Day to Roll into Eureka

The Eureka Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with the Eureka Police Department for a day of fun and learning. Explore various vehicles and gain valuable safety tips this Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Wildwood

📰 April Police Update from Capt. Mundel

Stay informed about the latest policing matters in Wildwood with Captain James Mundel's April 2024 video update:

Valley Park

🙌 Valley Park swears in new Mayor and Aldermen

Mayor Chandra L. Webster and Aldermen Dave Rose, Betty Halker, Jon Young, and Mike White took their oaths of office at the April 22nd city of Valley Park Board of Alderman meeting. City Administrator Nathan Schauf administered the oaths.

Source: City of Valley Park

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Today: Ozzie Smith Meet & Greet @ Dierbergs Des Peres from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Learn more here.

  • Saturday: 

    • Big Truck and Safety Day @ Eureka HS from 10am to 1pm. Learn more here.

    • DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Confirmed participating cities:

      • Ballwin

      • Clarkson Valley from 10am to 2pm. Learn more here.

      • Wildwood from 10am to 2pm. Learn more here.

      • Valley Park from 10am to 2pm. Learn more here.

Next Week

  • Tuesday April 30: Manchester Blood Drive @ the Manchester Justice Center from 10am to 3pm. Learn more here.

  • Thursday May 2 - Sunday May 5: 2024 Greater St. Louis Book Fair @ Queeny Park. Learn more / buy tickets here.

  • Friday May 3:

    • St. Louis County Park Foundation’s Cinco De Kilometer 5k Fun Walk @ Creve Coeur Lake. Learn more / register here.

    • Glow Golf at the Ballwin Golf Course from 7:30pm to 10pm. Learn more / register here.

  • Saturday May 4: Vantage Credit Union’s Shred Day 2024 @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater from 9am to 12pm. Learn more here.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading this edition of the ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected]

Interested in advertising your business in the West County Pulse? Let’s talk