Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex, Chesterfield

Location: 17925 North Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005

Website:
https://www.chesterfield.mo.us/234/Chesterfield-Valley-Athletic-Complex

Playground Ground Cover: Wood Chips & Poured Rubber

The Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex, formerly known as Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex (CVAC), is a premier 176-acre sports and recreation facility in Chesterfield, Missouri, designed to accommodate athletes and families of all abilities. Featuring 21 ball diamonds, including the inclusive Catch 22 Miracle Field and 16 synthetic infields, 10 multi-purpose fields for soccer, flag football, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee, 6 baseball/softball practice fields, 6 lighted sand volleyball courts, 4 concession buildings, 2 playgrounds, 2 entertainment plazas, and ample parking, the complex is a hub for community sports and events.

There is a large playground located right next to the main parking lot. It doesn't have any swings, but there are several slides - all different sizes- and a jungle gym climbing area. The playground was clean and in good condition. During the day, the playground is pretty empty, but it is probably packed when a sporting event is going on.

There is a second playground on the property, a bit to the West of this first one; it's shown at the end of the post. 

The playground is right behind this restroom and concession building. This is the old playground. The new playground was installed in 2024. 

Modified merry-go-round

The second playground is definitely not as nice as the first one. It's just one play structure, and it has a tunnel, a bubble window, monkey bars, and some slides. It's over by the soccer fields to the west. Next to this playground are the sand volleyball courts if your child enjoys playing in sand. 

Larry G. Crites Park & Turtle Cove Splash Pad, Festus

Location: 2232-2292 Old State Hwy A, Festus, MO 63028

Website: https://www.cityoffestus.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/West-City-Park-23

Playground Ground Cover: Wood Chips & Poured Rubber

Larry G. Crites Memorial Park (formerly West City Park) is located near the City's western boundary. Bordered on the east by Joachim Creek, the park includes more than 100 acres of open space, pavilions, ball fields, water features, and more. Larry G. Crites Memorial Park boasts one of the newest and most modern ball field complexes in the region. It also features a three-acre lake, a fairground area for large events, and a 1.5-mile bicycle trail. The park name was changed in 2020 after longtime park superintendent Larry Crites lost his battle with cancer. 

There are several playgrounds in this park; the first one is by the ball fields. 

I like that this playground is protected from the hot sun,  and also that there is a traditional merry-go-round (you don't see many of those around anymore).  The play structure features several slides, stepping stones, a webbed climber, and various bars and poles. 

                              

Picnic tables, concessions, and restrooms. 

In 2025, they added a huge new all-inclusive playground and a splash pad, also by the ball fields.  The splash pad is called Turtle Cove. 

These aqua logs are cool. As water flows down into each log, kids can use the lever in each one to close off the flow and watch the water fill up and spill over the side. And when they open the flow up again, they’ll watch how the water changes. This glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) structure is ADA-accessible.

This aqua rock shoots water out of the top.

The frogs shoot water jets 

This 17-foot structure slowly builds anticipation along with a whole lot of water. Once the large, funnel-shaped bucket is full, a generous flood wooshes out the bottom, splashes off the platform roofs in three different directions onto users below. Random and unexpected fun, the best kind.

Users of all ages and abilities can climb the non-slip stairs to the top and race down the slide bed. Not only is it a thrilling ride, but nozzles spray onto the slide, making it a splashing good time. Even more, there is an ADA transfer point for users of all abilities to join in the fun.

 

This interactive water table has a central bubbler that pushes water up, forming a pool that overflows onto each component. Water can be controlled from each corner, giving kids complete power over the water flow—where it goes, even how fast or slow it flows. This unique hexagon-shaped play area makes room for kids of all abilities to socialize and discover the many possibilities of cause and effect in cooperative water play.

 There are two baby swings, two sling swings, a modified expression swing, and two ADA swings. 

This fun hill has a bridge, a slide, and encourages climbing and rolling. 

The play structure features numerous fun and engaging elements, including slides, ramps, a rocking boat, stepping stones, cable climbers, maze boards, floating steps, and a rolley slide. 

Spinner

We go round

Keeping with the turtle theme

Balance beams

Modified teeter-totter

The next playground is across the street. There is a covered pavilion adjacent to it. 

The play structure features two slides and various bars and poles. 

There is an old-school teeter-totter, a spring animal, 2 baby swings, and a spinning seat. 

The next playground is by the amphitheater and lake. 

This playground is also covered. It has some spring animals, slides, pretend windows, a bridge, 2 baby swings, and a ton of bars and poles for climbing.