St. Charles County’s tenth park opened to the public on Friday, May 11. Towne Park, located at 100 Towne Park Dr., at the Farris Rd. exit off Highway 61, near Wentzville, was dedicated during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Rich in St. Charles County history, the 109-acre park features a reconstructed 1800s historical homestead, formerly known as the “Pink Plantation”; the only Certified Nature Explore Classroom in St. Charles County; paved and natural surface trails; a large fishing pond; picnic areas, a forest-themed playground and a series of interlinked scenic rain gardens for the public to enjoy.

Performers from the Living History Company portrayed Ruth Boyd, the original owner of the homestead who settled the land in the early 1800s, as well as other characters from the era.

County Executive Steve Ehlmann and Parks Director Bettie Yahn-Kramer were the keynote speakers, and the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard conducted the flag presentation at the beginning of the ceremony. St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano was also among those in attendance at the ceremony. 

Children from the Wentzville School District who helped with the development of the certified Nature Explore Classroom also attended. The Wentzville Chik-Fil-A and Dierbergs Wentzville Crossing donated light refreshments.

In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 11, the celebration of the new park extended into Saturday, May 12, when Living History Company re-enactors provided period demonstrations including shawl weaving, material dying and cast iron restoration.