In this issue of The Chesterfield Post…

⭐🚨📱 Can't Call 911? St. Louis County Now Lets You Text for Help!

⭐🏫❄️ A Cooler Future! Parkway Approves $2 Million Upgrade for West Middle School!

⭐🌳🚔 Big Decisions Ahead! St. Louis County's Park Ranger Cuts Spark Questions About the Future of Our Parks!

Chesterfield Area Events

10/17

10/18

10/19

There's a new way to reach emergency services in Chesterfield and throughout St. Louis County—and it could make a big difference when speaking on the phone isn't safe or possible!

Text to 911 is now available countywide, giving residents and visitors another way to contact emergency dispatchers during an emergency.

The service is especially important for people who have hearing or speech difficulties, or anyone facing a dangerous situation where making a voice call could put them at risk.

📱 How it works: Open your phone's messaging app, enter 911 as the recipient, and explain your emergency and location. Follow any instructions from the dispatcher.

Officials emphasize that calling 911 is still the preferred option whenever possible. Texting is an alternative when calling isn't safe or practical.

It's an important new safety resource for families throughout Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ballwin, Ellisville, and the surrounding communities.

🔗 Official information: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/county-executive/county-executive-news/saint-louis-county-launches-text-to-911-service/

Big improvements are on the way for Parkway students and staff!

The Parkway Board of Education approved a $2,015,000 installation contract for a new cooling system at West Middle School during its October 14 meeting.

The project includes a replacement cooling tower, two chillers, and a thermal ice storage system, along with supporting construction work. The district expects the project to be substantially complete by April 16, 2027.

And that's not the only school getting attention!

The board also approved an additional $224,884 for renovations at Parkway Central High School, bringing that project's total to approximately $9.89 million.

The West Middle project and Central High renovations are funded through Proposition S, the voter-approved bond measure supporting building repairs and improvements across the district.

For Parkway families, it's another step toward updating the schools where local students learn and grow!

From peaceful walking trails to family outings, St. Louis County's parks are part of what makes our region a great place to live.

But a major budget proposal could change how those parks are staffed.

Under the county executive's proposed 2027 budget, the county would reduce its park ranger workforce from 34 positions to just six, eliminating 28 positions.

That's a reduction of more than 80%.

Park rangers do more than patrol trails. Their responsibilities include enforcing park rules, responding to incidents, and helping visitors throughout the county's park system.

County Executive Sam Page has cited ongoing budget pressures and indicated that police officers could take on some responsibilities currently handled by park rangers.

The proposal has raised questions about how the county will balance financial pressures with public safety and park services.

Here's the important part: These cuts are proposed, not final.

The St. Louis County Council is reviewing the 2027 budget and can make changes before adopting it.

For families who use county parks, the decisions made in the coming months could shape the visitor experience for years to come.