Did you know the City of St. Charles organizes vacation packages through the Parks & Recreation Department?  Every year, we put together numerous day trips as well as a couple of large-scale, week long vacations.  All are welcome including area families, couples, and seniors.

For 2010, we already have two exciting trips planned…

Magnolias, Mansions & More

March 22 – 29, 2010

A week-long trip through the historic sites of Mississippi and Louisiana.

Mount Rushmore

September 8 – 17, 2009

A trip north to see Mount Rushmore and other interesting sites along the way.

We are having our first informational meeting on these trips on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 3 p.m.  The meeting will be held in Memorial Hall at Blanchette Park.
At this meeting, you will receive a complete itinerary with price break downs for both of the 2010 trips as well as the Fireside Christmas Trip.

YOU MUST RSVP to ensure that we have enough space and informational packets for you at the meeting.

If you would like to reserve a spot at the meeting, or receive additional information, call John Pike at 636.949.3580 or contact the Parks office at 636.949.3372.

Check out these overnight trips coming up in the next year.  Sign ups have already begun so don’t wait to call us at 636-949-3372.

FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 3-6, 2009
$599 per person (double occupancy)

Here’s some of the great attractions you’ll see on this 4-day trip to Wisconsin:
-BELOIT THEATRE CHRISTMAS SHOW
-CONKLIN’S BARN DINNER THEATER
-ANGEL MUSEUM
-BALANCE-HERSCHEL HOUSE – We’ll enjoy lunch and Victorian Tea in this beautiful house built in 1888.
-TORAASON GLASS – Hand blown glass demonstration.
-THREE CHRISTMAS SHOWS – Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights.
-DRIVE THROUGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY

Click here to see a full itinerary.

In 2010 we have already begun plans on two extended trips.  Call the office to get on the mailing list for these great trips:

MAGNOLIAS, MANSIONS & MORE
MARCH 22-29, 2010

Our itinerary is not set for this trip, but we are considering the following attractions:
- SPRING PILGRIMAGE IN NATCHEZ, MS
- PLANTATIONS & MANSIONS OF BATON ROUGE, LA
- GREAT PHARAOHS OF EGYPT EXHIBIT IN LITTLE ROCK, AR
- VISIT THE SITE OF THE MOVIE STEEL MAGNOLIAS IN LOUISIANA

MOUNT RUSHMORE/CRAZY HORSE/BLACK HILLS
SEPTEMBER 2010

Planned attractions:
-MOUNT RUSHMORE
-CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM
-1880 STEAM TRAIN RIDE
-EXPLORE THE BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

Great Rivers Greenway has finished work on the new Boschert Greenway Trail that connects Fox Hill Park to Fountain Lakes Park.  City and Park officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the 2-mile trail on Wednesday, October 22.

The trail begins in Fox Hill Park and runs across to New Town Boulevard and Fountain Lakes Park.  The paved trail is great for walking, biking and rollerblading.

Come check it out and let us know what you think by leaving a comment here on our Park Blog.

The tennis courts at McNair were last rehabbed in 1984.  Since then, cracks have formed on the light standards and net posts creating a rough playing surface that is more suited for recreational play than a serious match.

With the recent renovation of the tennis courts at the McNair Day Camp to accommodate tennis players, it’s time to fix up the worn down courts and turn them into a recreation area that can be used by as many citizens as possible.

In 1999, a survey of St. Charles citizens showed that interest in tennis was waning and people were interested is seeing more basketball and inline hockey courts.

So, the question is, what do you want to see done with the old McNair courts?  The Parks Department has a budget of up to $235,000 for the project.  One suggested renovation proposal would turn the worn tennis court area into a multipurpose sports court, but no final decisions have been made.  What sports are you most interested in playing on those courts and what should we do to make the area more fun for you and your family?