LAKE ST. LOUIS, Mo.  — A multimillion-dollar city park and entertainment complex is being planned for Lake St. Louis where a groundbreaking will be held Thursday evening.

Acres of land next to the popular shopping center, The Meadows, will be transformed into a premiere outdoor, lifestyle and entertainment destination, according to a press release.

The first phase will be the city park, which is slated to open next year. One acre of land was donated by Cohen Equities to the City of Lake St. Louis.

It will include an ice rink, a skate shop, an outdoor turf area, outdoor pavilions, a splash pad and a themed playground. The skate rink will turn into pickleball courts in warmer weather.

“This park will be the perfect addition to our vibrant community, drawing in visitors from all over the Lake St. Louis area to enjoy a range of exciting amenities all season long,” Lake St. Louis Mayor Jason Law said. 

The groundbreaking is set for 5 p.m. located off Technology Drive, in the multi-acre area near BC’s Kitchen and Mueller Furniture. The event is free and open to the public.

“We look forward to continuing to reinvigorate The Meadows as the bustling downtown of Lake Saint Louis, with options and activities that the whole family can enjoy,” said Meir Cohen, CEO of Cohen Equities. 

The construction of phase two will begin following the grand opening of the city park. Plans include a two-story hospitality and sports entertainment complex.

There also will be an indoor/outdoor multipurpose event law, local dining options and hosting space for concerts and other events, according to the press release.

“The complex as a whole will be a unique, one-of-a-kind experience, unlike anything else in the surrounding area,” Cohen Equities developer Jeff Parrish said. “It will be the place to hang out with friends, take your kids or enjoy a night out.” 

The project was made possible by the City of Lake Saint Louis, Mayor Jason Law, City Administrator George Ertle, Parks and Recreation Director Darren Noelken, the Board of Aldermen and the Planning and Zoning Commission.