ePLAY NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2026

A new year means a brand new look to the ePLAY Newsletter! January is the time to think ahead to spring, summer, and even fall to plan your gathering at one of our shelters or by signing up your team for softball leagues.


We also have plenty of indoor programs to keep you warm while the outdoors ice up. Make sure to keep your eye out for updates on current projects - including 2 brand new parks coming over the next few years!

WHAT'S NEW IN ST. CHARLES PARKS?

2026 SHELTER RENTALS

Start the New Year right by reserving your park shelters early! Shelter reservations for 2026 are now open.


Many of our shelters are very popular and book up quickly, so make sure to secure your spot ASAP. Reservations are for dates between April 15 – October 31 and are taken for 2026 reservations only.


Click the link to learn more about shelter rentals.  

PHOTO CONTEST CLOSING

We want to see St. Charles Parks through YOUR eyes! From a day exploring a playground, a beautiful scenic view in your favorite park, or participation in one of our recreational programs or events, we want to see your photos!


Our next photo contest closes SOON, on Friday, January 23. Enter your photo into one of four categories: PLAY, LEARN, EXPLORE and ICONS. Each category winner will receive a $100 Parks and Recreation gift card and BEST IN SHOW will receive a $300 gift card!

MAINTENANCE RODEO

This will be the 7th year the St. Charles Parks and Recreation Staff will be competing in the MRPA Region 4 Maintenance Rodeo! The Maintenance Rodeo is like the Olympics for Parks and Recreation professionals, where they can show off and celebrate the diverse range of skills they use every day.


Events can include a Backpack Blower Competition, Skid Loader Competition, Zero Turn Mower Obstacle Competition, Truck/Trailer Course, and more! Our staff brought home the 1st place prize back in 2021, including our now two-time Backpack Blower Obstacle Course Champion Shawn Creason. Make sure to wish our team good luck this month!

WHAT'S YOUR WHY?

Parks aren’t just places - they’re powered by people, memories, and purpose. Through our “What’s Your Why?” series, we’ll share the voices and stories that connect our parks to the community, and to you.

DON BORGMEYER - ENTERPRISE SUPERINTENDENT

Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the Parks. My friends and I rode our bikes to McNair, or we would swim and play while my grandmother worked the concession stand at Blanchette. In the evenings, our family gathered for ball games, playground time, and band concerts. When I was old enough, I worked in the concession stands and was a day camp counselor.


After 35 years in the restaurant business, I’ve come full circle and have the opportunity to finish my career here. Seeing families and friends enjoy the parks, and new generations of young people who enjoy working at the parks the way I did growing up, reminds me every day that I truly have my dream job. 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

From sports programs and fitness classes to fun holiday events and trips near and far, we have a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Easter is just around the corner, and we have two exciting events for all ages to enjoy! Both the Youth and Adult Easter Egg Hunts sell out quickly, so make sure you register early to secure your spot.

Upcoming Holiday Events include:

  • Youth Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 28
  • Adult Easter Egg Hunt (21+) - Friday, April 3.

YOUTH ENRICHMENT

From twirling and tumbling in dance and gymnastics to experimenting and cooking with Little Scientist and Chefs, your little one has plenty of options to learn something new!

Upcoming Youth Enrichment programming includes:

  • Dance
  • Gymnastics
  • Little Chefs
  • Little Scientists

YOUTH SPORTS

Our youth sports programs introduce your children to many different sports while boosting their confidence and helping them create lifelong memories and friendships.

Upcoming Youth Sports programming includes:

  • Volleyball
  • Hotshots Basketball
  • Youth Indoor Pickleball
  • Indoor Soccer

ADULT FITNESS

GET ACTIVE AND GET FIT with us! Skip the crowded gym and join us for a more personal and comfortable environment with our certified fitness instructors.

Upcoming Adult Fitness programming includes:

  • MIXXEDFIT
  • Beginner Weightlifting
  • POUND and POUND Unplugged
  • and MORE!

ADULT SPORTS

We are excited to start softball leagues this spring on our BRAND NEW turf infields at Wapelhorst Park! Make sure to sign up your team to join in on the fun.

Upcoming Adult Sports programming includes:

  • Spring Softball Leagues - Registration opens January 12
  • Pickleball Leagues - Leagues start March 31/April 2
  • Pickleball 101/102 - Program starts March 31/April 2

2025/2026 OCTOBER - MARCH

PLAY BROCHURE

The October - March 2025/26 PLAY Brochure has all the details for Fall and Winter fun and more!


The brochure features information on park events from October to March, while also featuring registration dates for future programs and facility rental information.


If you haven't had a chance to pick up a copy, visit the link below for a readable online version.

DOWNLOAD THE ST. CHARLES PARKS AND RECREATION APP!

Our app is your go-to companion for discovering, planning, and experiencing a variety of recreational activities in your neighborhood.

You can:

  • Discover exciting programs and activities.
  • Easily book and reserve activities and facilities
  • Stay in the loop with notifications
  • Have easy access to passes and tickets


 

CONNECT WITH US!

1900 Randolph, St. Charles, MO 63301

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00A - 5:00P

Phone: (636)949-3372

Facebook  Instagram  Web

@STCPARKSPLAYMO

The City of St. Charles, Missouri, fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, please call the City Clerk's Office at 636-949-3282 or visit St. Charles City Hall located at 200 North Second Street, St. Charles, Missouri 63301 (www.stcharlescitymo.gov).


Inclusion Programs: St. Charles Parks & Recreation is committed to including and accommodating, as needed, those who want to participate in our programs. For more information, you can visit our website.