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. 

H. Phillip Venable Memorial Park, Creve Coeur

Location: 10640 Country View Dr, Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Amenities: half-mile paved trail, three tennis courts, a soccer field/baseball field, two playgrounds, a picnic shelter, barbecue grills, and restrooms.

Website: http://www.creve-coeur.org/index.aspx?nid=284

Playground ground cover: Poured rubber

This park has a lot of tall trees and shade. The restrooms have changing tables and are located near the playgrounds. There is also a creek that runs right next to the playground. The park is one of Creve Coeur's busiest parks. Spanning seven and a half acres, the park features a half-mile paved trail, three tennis courts, a soccer field, two playgrounds, a pavilion, barbecue grills, and year-round restrooms. There are so many opportunities for imaginative play here! From stepping stones to a pretend window, steering wheels, speakers, binoculars, bridges, tunnels, and maze boards, you're sure to find something the kids will love. 

In early 2026, the park reopened to the public following the completion of a $2.6 million renovation project funded by the parks & stormwater sales tax. The improvements are designed to make the park more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. The project included a variety of upgrades, such as a new pavilion, a new playground designed for children ages 2–5, an upgraded parking lot, ADA-accessible pathways, a new pedestrian bridge connecting the Foxbrook Estates subdivision, enhanced landscaping, and new park furniture. These improvements build on other recent upgrades in the park, including restroom renovations and the replacement of the former tennis courts with three new post-tension tennis courts.

Nice firepit area

To get to the creek, follow the red arrow. 

Little Free Library

 The commemorative artwork honoring Dr. Venable

New pavilion

Adaptive swing, baby swing, and 4 sling swings

Dr. Howard P. Venable was a pioneering ophthalmologist and the first African American faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology at Washington University School of Medicine, joining in 1958 and helping shape a more inclusive future in academic medicine. A nationally respected clinician, educator, and mentor, he trained and inspired generations of physicians, particularly underrepresented students, while advocating for equitable access to eye care and opportunities within the field. His legacy extends beyond medicine, as his family’s land in Creve Coeur was unjustly seized through discriminatory practices in the 1950s, making the renaming of the park a meaningful step in honoring both his professional impact and his enduring fight for justice.