ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Parks across St. Charles County are receiving some major upgrades this year where some will be ready in time for the public to enjoy starting this spring.

The expansion of Kinetic Park has been more than a year in the making, according to a St. Charles County online release.  

Construction includes a massive new playground, expanded indoor climbing features, indoor pickleball courts, a 13-foot tall vert ramp for skaters.

“The playground is phenomenal,” County Parks Director Ryan Graham said. “I’ll be surprised if it’s not the best playground in the St. Louis region. Or at least the top three.”

The expansion is set open this spring.

Future attractions at the park include a splash pad, outdoor pickleball courts and picnic shelters.

A new park just south of St. Charles City will be called Spring Bend Park. 

It will include 126 acres of land lush with fields of wind-blown prairie grass overlooking the Missouri River.

The new park was donated by a local family with the condition that it remains a nature and conservation park, featuring natural trails and minimal development.

Work is set to start in the spring with the first phase to be completed later this year.

New downhill bike trails have been planned for Missouri Bluffs Park. They will offer challenge and excitement for riders.

“The biking community is really excited about that opening,” said Andy Fleck, assistant parks director.

The next phase of the Dardenne Creek Blueway expansion project includes the restoration of ripples and pools along the seven miles of Dardenne Creek, from Gettemeyer Park in St. Peters to Bluebird Meadow Park in Dardenne Prairie.

The goal is to provide a natural corridor between public lands and parks along Dardenne Creek.

Plans include adding four access points along Dardenne Creek for launching a kayak or canoe. 

The project will provide access ramps and grade control structures to allow for public use of the Blueway. 

Other work will entail excavating, cleaning and deepening the creek channel to allow for a more enjoyable experience when using the Blueway Trail system. 

Work will begin in the spring.

The park at New Melle Lakes and Indian Camp Creek Park will be getting new playgrounds this year.

New Melle Lakes also will receive added lake accessibility for kayakers.

The older wooden playground inside the Indian Camp Creek entrance will be replaced with a modern play area.