committed to preserving its natural beauty and expanding access to green space. The city’s Bikable and Walkable Plan, now in its final stages, connects neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas through a cohesive network of sidewalks and trails. A signature element of this system is the Chesterfield Valley Levee Trail, part of the larger Great Rivers Greenway network that links St. Louis to the Katy Trail—a continuous recreational corridor stretching across Missouri to Kansas. “When it’s fully complete, residents will be able to start in Central Park and run or bike a full marathon around the city,” says Hurt. “That’s the kind of connectivity we’ve been working toward for decades.” SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS AIRPORT: A REGIONAL GATEWAY Owned and operated by St. Louis County but located within Chesterfield, Spirit of St. Louis Airport serves as a major economic and logistical asset for the region. The airport ranks second in the region for takeoffs and landings and functions as a designated Port of Entry, allowing international flights to land directly in Chesterfield without passing through another customs point. The airport supports a mix of aviation businesses, flight schools, charter operations, and private hangars. It also hosts one of the region’s largest biennial air shows, attracting more than 100,000 visitors and delivering significant economic impact to local businesses and hospitality providers. While Chesterfield does not manage the facility directly, the city maintains zoning authority and works closely with the county to ensure compatible development and future expansion potential. LOOKING AHEAD: BUILDING THE NEXT CHAPTER Over the next 18 to 24 months, Chesterfield’s focus will remain on its transformative downtown development and the new Aquatic Center within Central Park—projects that embody the city’s vision for sustainable growth and community enhancement. “These initiatives will define the next chapter for 47 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 CHESTERFIELD, MO
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