The Downtown Chesterfield plans have been an ongoing project for the City of Chesterfield before it was a city, and then as of Saturday, May 21, the several aspects of the Central Park project will be completed.

The idea for a Downtown Chesterfield originated in 1974, before Chesterfield was incorporated as a city by the State of Missouri. According to the City of Chesterfield’s web site, “the goal was for a planned community which would center on this Village.”

The city of Chesterfield was incorporated by the state in 1988, and since then, the city has developed residential areas, Chesterfield Mall and the Sachs County Library as part of the original idea of community center.

The city also surveyed residents asking them what they wanted from the city in regards to parks and recreation. The people responded with interest for more trails and sidewalks.

“The funding comes from Proposition P in 2004 for parks,” Steve Jarvis, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Chesterfield, said. “Part was dedicated for purchasing land and development and part for maintenance.”

The Parks and Recreation department has completed or is currently working on everything they promised back in 2004. Phase One of the project included additions to the Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center (CFAC), the first phase of the Monarch- Levee Trails, and improvements to Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex (CVAC).

In September of 2008, the Chesterfield City Council authorized $16 million, which allowed the city to begin work on the Phase Two projects, which include enhancements to Central Park. These enhancements include more fields and concessions at the CVAC, and the development of the first phase of the Riparian Corridor Trails. The city expects the projects to be finished in five years, according to the Chesterfield website.

“It’s a good idea,” Monica Scheerer, junior, said. “[People are] going to know more about where they live, and it’s another idea for the people.”

Central Park, located at 16365 Lydia Hill Dr., currently includes the CFAC and a playground, which were previously constructed. According to Chesterfield’s web site, Phase Two will bring Central Park “a 7.5 acre lake, bridges, trails, and an amphitheater.”

The city awarded the construction to Frederich Construction for $7 million.

The amphitheater will be able to seat 2,000 guests with a mixture of lawn and fixed seating.

“We’re beginning to look at programming for the amphitheater,” Jarvis said. “We’re working with a lot of high schools right now for ideas on possible performances.”

The amphitheater will be juxtaposed alongside a couple of stream walks with recirculating water for a continuous flow, bridges, and adjacent trails. Over the lake, a bridge is planned to be constructed with a gazebo in the center and also a fountain.

Finally, the city plans to build later in 2011 a “linear park” besides Veteran Place Dr., which will serve as the entrance to the rest of Central Park and will contain three, themed plazas with a view of the sculpture, The Awakening.

Jarvis also said that in addition to Central Park, the City of Chesterfield is also working on other projects like the Riparian Trails.