A Publication of the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department - Nov./Dec. 2021 |
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Veterans Night March to Veterans Tribute Park Nov. 11
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In honor of all St. Charles County veterans, the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Veterans Day Ruck March Thursday, Nov. 11. Everyone is invited, so grab your rucksack or backpack, family and friends, and participate in a three-mile "march” from Charles County Community College in Cottleville to Veterans Tribute Park in Weldon Spring.
The March will begin at dusk at the Community College's red parking lot. Fellowship and drinks will be from 5 to 7 p.m. A shuttle will be available to take participants back to their cars after arriving at Veterans Tribute Park.
Park Ranger and United States Air Force veteran Jake Dean will lead the 45-minute walk
on the sidewalk on Mid Rivers Mall Drive, and then along the Dardenne Greenway. At the park, everyone will be able to reminisce with fellow veterans, and view the Veterans Memorial Plaza (pictured above) featuring engraved panels with the names of St. Charles County soldiers who died in service to our nation since World War I. The Tribute Walk and garden showcases interpretive panels covering conflicts from the time St. Charles County was organized in 1812 to present day. Participants 21 years of age and older can purchase a cold beer from Third Wheel Brewing.
Rucksacks are not required, but are encouraged. Veterans are welcome to bring treasured items representing their branch of service to share with others attending, as well as a headlamp or flashlight to use during the walk. Those unable to participate in the march are welcome to meet the marchers at Sammelmann Shelter in the park.
The event is free, and open to veterans organizations, groups, families and individuals. Pre-registration is required. Register online or call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535 to reserve a spot. For more information, email Ranger Dean at jdean@sccmo.org. |
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Disc Golf Course Expanded at College Meadows Park
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Thanks to the assistance of some very dedicated park volunteers, guests now can play 18 holes of disc golf at College Meadows Park in Cottleville. The 18-hole course is located near the west entrance to the St. Charles County Community College campus, and was recently expanded by Parks staff and members of the St. Charles County Disc Golf Club.
This enhanced course features long and short concrete tee pads and baskets that weave in and out of park trees and through scenic meadows. The new holes offer exciting challenges. At hole #18 (pictured above), disc golfers throw through a narrow pathway lined with trees to hit the basket!
College Meadows Park is one of four St. Charles County Parks disc golf courses open for play year-round. Others include the "champion" course at The Park at New Melle Lakes, the popular course at Indian Camp Creek Park, and the exciting course at Quail Ridge Park.
To discover more about playing disc golf, course locations and features, and scoring, download the UDisc app. Those who are new to this family-friendly sport are encouraged to check out a free disc golf bag with all the supplies needed to play the game from the St. Charles City-County Library District. |
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St. Charles County Parks Wins Big for Pollinators
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After participating in this year's Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz campaign hosted by the National Recreation of Parks Association, the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department was one of six agencies selected to receive a $1,000 prize to assist with pollinator habitats and education in the parks! A special thanks to the individuals, preschools, Scouts and organizations that helped us achieve this exciting BioBlitz win. The data collected helped create a snapshot of the wildlife found in St. Charles County Parks using the iNaturalist app and participants' smartphones. In only two weeks, 420 observations were made by 128 participants who joined the challenge! This accounted for 235 species discovered, including a variety of animals, plants, insects and birds. If you missed this year's challenge, watch our Facebook Page and website for more information. Our horticulture and natural resource teams are planning to offer the event again next year! |
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Winter Wonderland Express Coming to Heritage Museum
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If you're looking for festive events this holiday season, be sure to bring the family to the Heritage Museum for the annual Holiday Toy Train Display. This popular St. Charles County attraction opens Saturday, Nov. 27, and is a must-see for children and adults alike.
This year's display features new St. Charles County landmark buildings and multiple trains, including the new Winter Wonderland Express. Watch the locomotives as they glide along the tracks through wintry scenes that highlight the historic Boone Village, Hays Home, Heritage Museum, the 1860s homestead at Towne Park, and more. A miniature replica of St. John's United Church of Christ, built in St. Charles in 1907, is one of the newest scenes to marvel over. The display also features a North Pole scene with Mrs. Claus’ bake shop, Santa’s cabin and the Elf Toy Factory.
Admission is free. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday–Saturday; and 12-5 p.m., Sunday. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day.
While you're there, don't forget to drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the Toy's for Tot's boxes located in the lobby. The museum is serving as a donation site for the program and guests can spread some holiday cheer to those less fortunate through Thursday, Dec. 9.
For more information about the display or toy donations, call the museum at 636-255-6000. The train display closes Sunday, Jan. 2.
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Candlelight Walks and Other Holiday Events Happening
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‘Tis the season to get into the holiday spirit! Be sure and bring the family out to experience a night of warmth and beauty this season at our Christmas Candlelight Walks from 6 to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4, and Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10-11, at The Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance.
Step back in time to observe Christmas traditions of the past while strolling through the enchanting village illuminated with thousands of candle-lit lanterns. Along the way, visit with “Daniel and Rebecca Boone” inside the Boone Home as they reminisce about winters past. Guests will tour the inside of the home and hear storytellers every 8-10 minutes inside buildings throughout the village grounds.
Discounted tickets are $12 per person if pre-registered before Nov. 19. Tickets are $15 after that date and may not be available at the door if the program sells out. To make a reservation for this popular event, visit the Activity Registration on our website or call the park at 636-798-2005.
Additional holiday fun this year in the parks includes:
Letters to Santa: Nov. 22-Dec. 6 at Kinetic Park
Take a Hike 2021: Dec. 31 at Quail Ridge Park
For details and to register for these festive holiday happenings, visit us online or call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535.
Mark your calendar! The new 2022 Parks Activity Guide will be released in December and will feature a new lineup of programs and activities happening in our parks from January through April. |
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