Parks Department proposed acquisition of three
parcels for future parkland
from the St. Charles County Parks Department
August 13, 2009
St. Charles County, MO
St. Charles County Parks Director, Bettie Yahn-Kramer, recommended to the St. Charles County Council the acquisition of three parcels as future parkland. Located in the western portion of the county near New Melle (near the intersection of Highway Z and Foristell Road), the parcels will make a 242-acre addition to the Parks Department—increasing the amount of public land preserved as county parks to 2,855 acres.
At Monday’s Council meeting, Yahn-Kramer proposed three ordinances. The first recommends that the Council accept a property donation by the Wolk family. The other two request Council approval on the acquisition of nearby contiguous tracts from the Barnard family and a combined parcel from the New Melle Lakes Development Company and Apted-Hulling, Inc., at prices below appraised value. These proposals were the first reading of the ordinances before the Council, which can pass final approval of the acquisitions at its Aug. 24 meeting.
Featuring several lakes, forested hillsides, beautiful creek-side lowlands, and a number of other natural highlights, the parcels will make an excellent addition to the department recognized for its focus on passive, natural recreation. This collection marks the first time the department has worked with three separate entities to bring together one proposed park acquisition package.
“We salute these generous land owners—who in this day and age still respect the lands they have enjoyed and cared for and wish to leave a lasting legacy for many to enjoy,” Yahn-Kramer said. “These three properties encompass beautiful terrain with a mixture of forests, fields, and water features. Coupled with striking views of the surrounding region, a quality asset to this package is the fact that the Dardenne Creek flows for nearly one-half mile through these properties.”
The 67-acre Wolk estate is a full donation by the family that will receive a life-estate to reside on the property. Located approximately one mile south of the others, this parcel features a large lake and a dense, hardwood forest surrounding the family home. To observe the family’s wishes, the future park will be named the “Sundust Park Preserve” and will contain at least one off-leash dog area.
The Barnard parcel acquisition is proposed at $960,000—with the family receiving a limited-term life estate. Highlights of the 60-acre property include the family home developed around an original log cabin structure that dates to the late 1800s and many scenic vistas. Acres of tree-lined pasture will present opportunities for limited development as amenities like picnicking, playground sites, and tent camping.
The final parcel controlled by the Apted family (comprised of a nearly five-acre segment owned by Apted-Hulling, Inc., and a 110-acre site held by New Melle Lakes Development Company) will be acquired for $2.38 million. Prominent aspects of this 115-acre property are the Dardenne Creek that flows through this beautiful wooded piece and rolling terrain that sets up perfectly for hikers and bicyclists that enjoy the department’s popular natural-surface trail system.
Formed in 1997 by the citizens of St. Charles County, the Parks Department currently operates eight parks within its system—with several additional properties under development. Located throughout St. Charles County, these parks offer open natural areas, picnic shelters, camping sites, special events facilities, fishing lakes, and much more. The Parks Department will offer nearly 150 programs for County residents and visitors this year. For information on the St. Charles County Parks Department, please call 636-949-7535 or visit www.stccparks.org.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
