O'Fallon Parks Board Recommends Complete Civic Hall Plan, O'Day Phases 1 and 2

At last week's meeting of the O'Fallon Parks and Recreation Board, the board decided to recommend to the City Council that the city tackle the entire Civic Hall/Alligator's Creek project as designed.

The complete project would include an expansion of Alligator's Creek Aquatic Center and a new Civic Hall that would include a bathhouse, multipurpose room and fitness center.

The city has been offered the option of completing the work in phases, with the gymnasium and fitness center being part of the later phase.

Board President Patrick Breyne said that the city's survey showed how important Civic Hall and a fitness center were to the residents of north O'Fallon. 

The board, however, disagreed about which phases in the development of O'Day Park should come first. 

The plan offered to the city had suggested that development of the 57-acre parcel off Hwy. DD begin with the construction of a lodge and amphitheater. 

Some board members, including Breyne, felt that phase should be skipped over and the park be developed as it was originally intended—as a passive park with nature trails. 

When a vote was taken, four of the board members preferred that along with Phase One, the city also tackle Phase Two, which would add an adventure playground and pavilions.

"The amphitheater and lodge are going to be your two big draws," said board member Ed Foster. "There is nothing on the south side of town where you can have a wedding reception."

Parks Director Cindy Springer said that revenue from rentals of the lodge could be used to help fund further development, and that once staff was on site, they would help with building trails and the other "soft" features of the park, such as re-establishing prairie and meadow areas.