Chesterfield Park will get a new feature—but it’s not for kids to play on. The Springfield-Greene County Park Board has entered into an agreement with City Utilities to construct an elevated water tank at the park. And CU has entered into 50-year lease extensions with the Park Board for CU-owned property at Lake Springfield Park, Valley Water Mill Park and Dan Kinney Park, each with additional 50-year renewal options.
Both resolutions were approved by Springfield City Council last night.
Bob Belote, director of parks, says they take great pride in their partnership with CU. According to Belote, “this is a great example of two public entities working together to give our residents twice the bang for their buck.”
The new water tank will be built on the far northeast corner of Chesterfield Park, 2511 W. Republic Road. The Park Board is leasing an undeveloped .89 acres to CU for 50 years, with the option to renew another 50 years in 2065. According to city officials, the tank won't impact Chesterfield Family Center, the park’s existing playground and walking trails and planned future development of lacrosse fields, restrooms, tennis courts and parking. Construction on the water tank is planned for 2019.
According to a city news release, "CU and the Park Board entered into three long-term parks leases in 2006, allowing construction of the Lake Springfield Boathouse and other improvements at Lake Springfield Park, 5424 S. Kissick Ave; and development of Valley Water Mill Park, 2450 E. Valley Water Mill Road; and Dan Kinney Park, including Dan Kinney Family Center and the Betty and Bobbly Allison Miracle League Ball Field, at 2701 S. Blackman Road. All three properties were previously managed by CU. The new leases amend the original 25-year lease agreements, extending them to 2056. If, at that time, these three properties are still being used as parks, the leases may be extended another 50 years."
