Introduction
The City of O'Fallon Recreation Department is composed of three divisions that serve the community in their recreational needs. It is our mission to enrich residents’ quality of life through people, parks, and programs, and to remain one of the premier parks and recreation destinations within the greater St. Louis area and the State of Missouri. Every position in our department plays an important role in our mission. As a whole, our organization relies on four core values that all employees strive to embody when representing the City of O'Fallon's Recreation Department.
Service
Excellent service should be at the forefront of every employee's action. Whether they are serving a patron or another staff member, employees are expected to be friendly, accessible, and proactive As a municipal organization we strive to serve the community, going above and beyond to resolve questions,concerns,orcomplaints
Community
The City of O'Fallon represents an expansive community that should be reflected in the programs and activities put on by the Recreation Department. Our organization holds community as a core value, with an emphasis on accessible, inclusive, diverse, and equitable services Engagement and connection with our residents is atoppriorityforouremployees
Wellness
Overall well being starts with recreation. Our organization emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health through fun and fitness The actions of the recreation staff should always promote the wellness of the O'Fallon community
Culture
The work-place culture within the Recreation Department should promote a positive atmosphere centered on teamwork, innovation, and collaboration. Employees are encouraged to support and uplift each other, offering assistance wheneverneeded
Recreation Department Divisions
Recreation
The Recreation Division represents all programs and services that take place in O’Fallon’s parks and beyond. From soccer practice to dance recitals, the Recreation Divisionencompassesavarietyofrecreationalactivities. A trip to Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center, a rental at O’Day Lodge and a purchase from a concession stand areallpoweredbytherecreationteam
Renaud Center
The Renaud Center Division represents all of the services offered within O’Fallon’s premier recreational center, the Renaud Center The Renaud Center Division includes memberships, youth programs, swim lessons, personal training and much more. While the primary purpose of the center is to promote health and wellness, patrons can find programs and events of all kindsattheRenaudCenter.
Tourism & Festivals
The Tourism & Festivals division represents the large showstoppingeventsthattheCityofO’Fallonisknown for. The purpose of this division is to bring visitors to the City and provide entertainment opportunities to our residents. This division is busy year round with events such as the Heritage and Freedom Fest, CelebrationofLights,FallintotheArts,andmore.
Recreation Department
Staff Directory
Craig Feldt
Recreation
Director
Kristin Chesnut
Recreation Manager
Community Engagement
alton Patton
creation Manager
reation Programs
Jenna Backhaus
Recreation Coordinator
Tourism & Festivals
Mariah Davis
Recreation Specialist
Tourism & Festivals
Kerrah Douthit
Recreation Specialist
Front Desk & Adult Programs
Danielle Reecht
Recreation Superintendent
Jennifer Hoisington
Recreation Manager
Tourism & Festivals
Anne Radford
Recreation Manager Aquatics & Fitness
Jenni Davidson
Recreation Specialist
Health & Fitness
Dana Degnan
Recreation Specialist
Cultural Arts
Katelyn Elzer
Recreation Specialist
Birthday Parties & Concessions
Recreation Department
Staff Directory
John Gorham
Recreation Specialist
Offi & Memberships
Ali McCulloch
Recreation Specialist
Venues & Weddings
Amy Jordan
Recreation Specialist
Youth Programs
Open Position
Pool Supervisor
Wyatt Miller
Recreation Assistant
r Hogg
eation Specialist
s Operations
Lauren Meeks
Recreation Specialist
Aquatics & Special Events
Darcy Skillington
Recreation Specialist
Youth Athletics
Chelsey Davis
Recreation Assistant
Jake Muensterman
Recreation Assistant
Department Organization
Certifications and Licenses
Several members of the Recreation Department maintain professional certifications, underscoring their commitment to advancing institutional knowledge and best practices.
6 Certified Park and Recreation Professional
2 ILTP Lifeguard Instructor
2 CPR/First Aid Instructor
2 Certified Pool Operator
Additionally, the department’s Health & Fitness Specialist, along with several personal trainers, maintain certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). These credentials ensure the Renaud Center’s members and guests benefit from professionally designed classes and well-maintained equipment.
Certified Personal Trainer
Group Fitness Instructor
Physique & Bodybuilding Coach
Boards and Commissions
Members of the Recreation Department assist several of the City’s volunteer boards and commissions. In recognition of their collective efforts, the Recording Secretaries were presented with the 2025 Team Excellence Award at O’Fallon’s Volunteer Recognition Banquet. The following staff members serve as Recording Secretaries or Staff Liaisons for their respective boards and commissions:
Cultural Arts Commission
Mariah Davis - Recording Secretary
Jennifer Hoisington - Staff Liaison
Dana Degnan - Staff Liaison
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
John Gorham - Recording Secretary
Bill Mitchison - Staff Liaison
Craig Feldt - Staff Liaison
Senior Resident Advisory Committee
Darcy Skillington - Recording Secretary / Staff Liaison
Kerrah Douthit - Recording Secretary / Staff Liaison
In addition to supporting the City’s boards and commissions, many department staff members also participate as guest speakers at these meetings. In 2025, staff delivered 12 presentations to the above-mentioned boards, providing updates on current and upcoming programs while gathering resident feedback on programs and services they enjoy or would like to see offered in the future.
Fitness Class Participants
28,799
States Represented in Tournaments at Ozzie Smith Sports Complex
19
Percent of memberships held by families
53.6%
Insurance Membership Visits at Renaud Center
Operating Expense Ratio (Renaud Recovery Rate)
53,527
91.5%
77 Sponsorship Renewal Rate
92.1%
Inclusion Services Provided
Community Impact
The Recreation Department is responsible for providing high-quality recreational opportunities that meet the needs of the community it serves. The Department supports more than 95,000 residents and an overallserviceareaexceeding200,000. Therearenumerousbenefits thattheRecreationDepartmentprovidesfortheResidentsofO’Fallon andsurroundingcommunitiesincluding:
Equity and Accessibility
The Recreation Department is committed to providing affordable programs including day camp, dance, volleyball, baseball/softball, soccer, martial arts, tumbling, and competitive swimming to promote accessible participation Through a partnership with the O’Fallon Community Foundation, scholarships help ensure opportunities for individuals and families of all income levels The Department also prioritizes inclusion by maintaining ADAcompliant facilities and providing program accommodations that support individuals with disabilities
Aquatics and Safety
Economic Impact
The O’Fallon Recreation Department supports local employment by staffing the Renaud Center, programs, aquatics, concessions, rentals, and events, employing up to 350 parttime staff throughout the year. Many of these positions represent first-time jobs, providing valuable workforce experience and skill development. In addition, large-scale community events such as Heritage and Freedom Fest, Celebration of Lights, and more than 30 annual tournaments at Ozzie Smith Sports Complex attract visitors to O’Fallon, driving local spending and supporting area businesses
Watersafetyisalife-savingskill,andtheO’FallonRecreationDepartmentprioritizesthisresponsibility through comprehensive aquatic programming that serves thousands of local youth each year. In 2025, the department provided swim lessons to 2,701 children, equipping them with essential skills that promote safety, confidence, and lifelong wellness. Complementing instructional programming, the department operates a competitive swim team with 182 participants, fostering athletic development, discipline, and teamwork while creating pathways for advanced competition and meaningfulcommunityconnection.
Research consistently demonstrates a strong link between swim instruction and drowning prevention NationaldatafromorganizationssuchastheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics show that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14, behind motor vehicle crashes Studies indicate that formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% for children ages 1–4, and communities with greater access to swim instruction consistently report lower drowning rates By increasing the number of swim lessons offeredlocally,thedepartmentdirectlyreducesriskfactorsandalignswithnationalbestpracticesfor drowningprevention
Renaud Center
The Renaud Center serves as a vital hub for community health, engagement, and inclusivity. Through affordable access to fitness, wellness, and recreational resources, the O’Fallon Recreation Department supports healthier lifestyles while fostering meaningful community connections. In 2025, the Renaud Center recorded nearly 195,000 visits through memberships and daily passes alone, not including additional visits from program participants, facility rentals, and special event attendees.
Accessibility and Affordability
Owned and operated by the City of O’Fallon, the Renaud Center ensures equitable access to fitness and recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities. Membership rates are set below those of comparable private gyms, reducing financial barriers and expanding access to high-quality wellness resources that support physical activity and community connection.
Economic and Social Value
The Renaud Center contributes to the overall strength and vibrancy of the community by attracting families and individuals to O’Fallon and supporting local employment opportunities. Through its programs, events, and daily facility operations, the Center creates jobs and generates sustained economic activity that benefits local businesses and reinforces the broader community
Benefits for Seniors
The Renaud Center supports healthy aging through accessible amenities and targeted programming. Low-impact exercise options promote improved mobility and balance while helping reduce fall risk, while strength training contributes to better bone density and joint health. Collectively, these programs improve quality of life, aid in chronic disease management, and help lower long-term healthcare costs for older adults.
Public Health Impact
The Renaud Center encourages regular physical activity, which is essential in reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes Beyond physical health, the facility supports mental and emotional well-being by offering opportunities for stress relief, social interaction, and consistent engagement that promote healthy routines and overall quality of life.
The Importance of Youth Participation in Sports
Access to organized sports is a foundation for physical health, social development, and lifelong wellness. The O’Fallon Recreation Department recognizes this and has made youth sports an important part of its mission to strengthen community vitality.
In 2025, the department provided sports opportunities to 3,027 children, offering programs that range from introductory leagues to competitive play. These opportunities deliver benefits that extend far beyond the playing field.
Youth sports play a critical role in physical, social, and emotional development. They foster teamwork, discipline, and resilience while promoting healthy lifestyles. However, the increasing financial burden associated with organized sports is creating barriers for many families.
Benefits of Youth Sports Participation
Physical Health
Reduces risk of obesity and chronic diseases. Improves cardiovascular fitness, strength, and coordination.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Builds confidence and self-esteem
Helps manage stress and anxiety through physical activity
Social Development
Encourages teamwork and communication skills. Provides a sense of belonging and community.
Academic Correlation
Studies show active youth often perform better academically due to improved focus and time management.
National Trends & Challenges
Trends
Average annual cost for a single youth sport can range from $500 to $3,000, with elite programs exceeding $10,000.
Families with multiple children or multi-sport athletes face significant financial strain.
Challenges
Equipment and Gear: Specialized uniforms, protective gear, and sport-specific equipment.
Registration Fees: Club memberships and league entry costs.
Travel and Tournaments: Transportation, lodging, and meals for competitive events.
Training and Coaching: Private lessons and specialized camps for skill development.
Adult Programs, Birthday
Parties & Concessions
Adult Programs
The Senior Activities Fair was held on March 19 at the Trigg Banquet Center, connecting approximately 250 senior residents with more than 30 local vendors. The Recreation Department also continued its Dine and Discover program in partnership with O’Fallon Theatre Works and offered a group outing to The Muny to see Jersey Boys. Together, these experiences support meaningful engagement and provide a strong foundationforcontinuedgrowthinadultandseniorprogramming.
Dine & Discover Revenue: $1,730
Trip Revenue: $2,926
Birthday Parties
Parents can customize their child’s party to suit their needs with three locations to choose from and various food and beverage packages available whichincludepizza,drinks,cakeandmore.
Reservations: 308
Revenue: $83,610
Kerrah&Katie
Concessions
The Recreation Department operates concessions stands in all of O’Fallon’s athletic parks as well as the Renaud Center and Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center. Guests and participants enjoy a variety of refreshmentsduringtournamentsandevents.
Revenue: $278,00742
Kerrah Douthit is the newest member of Team O’Fallon, joining the department in November 2025 as the Recreation Specialist –Front Desk & Adult Programs She brings several years of experience in higher education and is excited to develop engaging programsfortheO’Falloncommunity
Katie Elzer has been a part of Team O’Fallon forjustoveroneyear Shecurrentlyservesas the department’s Recreation SpecialistConcessions & Birthday Parties Her favorite part of working in Parks & Recreation is helping families celebrate life’s special moments by creating fun, stress-free experiences
Aquatics & Special Events
Alligator’s Creek
Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center is a premier outdoor aquatic facility offering a wide range of amenities. Features include three water slides, a lazy river, an interactive playground, designated lap lanes, and a full-service concession stand.
Daily Admission Visits: 24,604
Daily Admission Revenue: $241,041
Season Passes: 251
Season Passes Revenue: $67,729
Aquatics
Aqua Aerobics: $44,80850(196%>2024)
Group Swim Lessons: $82,05352(37%>2024)
Private Swim Lessons: $48,31366(107%>2024)
Semi-Private Lessons: $20,36534(418%>2024)
Infant Swimming Resource: $17,525.00
Torpedoes Swim Team: $32,732.00(9.8%>2024)
Swim-Team Prep: $7,232.00(newin2025)
New Wave: $3,646.00(newin2025)
Special Events
Pool Paws: $3,832(260Participants)
Glow Swim: $2,766(177Participants)
Underwater Egg Hunt: $1,622(111Participants)
Pumpkin Plunge: $1,146(75Participants)
Boat Races: $264(11Participants)
Mermaids & Mates: $210(10Participants)
Royal Tea: $168(14Participants)
Anne Radford maintains her certification as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Park Association and is also a Certified Pool Operator. She has served as the department’s Aquatic & Fitness Manager since April 2025.
Tyler Hogg is a Certified Pool Operator and Lifeguard Instructor and has been a valuable member of Team O’Fallon for over six years. He currently serves in the role of Recreation Specialist - Aquatics Operations.
Ren Meeks has quickly advanced within the department, earning her Lifeguard Instructor certification in March 2025 and stepping into her current role as Recreation Specialist – Aquatics Programming and Special Events in October 2025.
Athletics & Tournaments
Athletics
Basketball: $3,972.00(63Participants)
Private Lessons: $3,996.00(116Lessons)
Soccer: $103,782.90(1,267Participants)
Softball: $95,761.50(174Teams)
T-Ball & Coach Pitch: $17,009.70(263Participants)
Volleyball: $31,104.74(Clinic:159Participants,League:93Teams)
Tournaments
The Recreation Department hosts tournaments at Ozzie Smith Sports Complex and Westhoff Park most weekends from April through October, drawing teams from across Missouri, the Midwest, and at times from more than 1,200 miles away— driving regional visibility and economic impact for thecommunity.
No. of Tournaments: 28(7Rainouts/Cancellations)
No. of Teams: 642
No. of Games: 1,300
Dalton&Darcy
Get Out and Play
Since 2024, the City of O’Fallon has hosted free Get Out and Play Days several times each year. This year’s events saw strong participation and offered opportunities for participants to engage in basketball, biking, and flag football. Staff look forward to enhancing future events withnewandexpandingprogramofferings.
June 18 at Sports Park
August 8 at Sports Park November 14 at Dames Park
Dalton Patton maintains his certification as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Park Association and is also certified as a CPR and First Aid Instructor through the American Heart Association. He has served as the department’s Programming Manager since May 2023.
Darcy Skillington has been a member of Team O’Fallon for almost three years and moved to her current role of Recreation Specialist - Youth Athletics this past fall. She was the recipient of the 2025 MPRA Emerging Leader Award and recently passed her Certified Park and Recreation Professional examination in November 2025.
Community Engagement
Social Media
The City of O’Fallon operates social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram in order to effectively market services andeventstonotonlyourresidents,buttheregionasawhole
The Parks and Recreation pages collectively garnered views from24millionpeoplein2025
Renaud Center’s Facebook account surpassed 15,000 followers thisyear
Staff revived the O’Fallon Theatre Works Facebook and Instagrampageswhichhadbeendormantforseveralyears.
Sponsorships
Cash Partnerships: $75,920(42%increasevs.2024)
In-Kind Donations: $30,000(67%increasevs.2024)
Our sponsorship packages provide partners with community exposure, company recognition and an enhancedpublicimage.
Our team worked with a total of 68 businesses this year,30ofwhichwerefirst-timepartnersin2025.
KristinChesnut
Totals by Event
HFF: $24,000 (99%of2024)
Jammin: $11,200 (305%of2024)
Celebration of Lights: $10,850 (140%of2024)
Parks Passport: $6,500 (newin2025)
Whiskers & Wags: $5,500 (220%of2024)
Food Truck Events: $4,000 (145%of2024)
Summer Sendoff: $3,000 (200%of2024)
Kristin has served as the department’s Community Engagement Manager for over four years. She is in charge of all of the department’s marketing efforts including social media, sponsorships and the City’s quarterlyRecreationGuidemagazine.
Her favorite part of working in Parks & Recreation is facilitating meaningful connections between people and our programs
Pictured (from left): Anne Radford, Danielle Reecht, Dalton Patton, Kristin Chesnut, Jennifer Hoisington
Health & Fitness
Fitness at the Renaud Center goes beyond equipment, offering inclusive group classes and personalized training options to support all fitness levels. Participation continued to rise in 2025, withpersonaltrainingsalesexceedingpriorrecordsandgenerating over $6,000 more than 2024. New programs, including the Youth Weight Room Orientation, generated $3,195 in revenue and served 94 youth ages 12–15 with essential strength-training and safety instruction.
Group Fitness
Group Fitness continues to thrive at the RenaudCenter,withinstructorsofferingmore than 50 weekly classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels across cardio, strength, and flexibility formats The team also expanded senior-focused offerings, including SilverSneakersprograms,creating welcoming and inclusive opportunities for participants of allabilitiesandstagesoffitness.
2025 Stats:
Class Visits: 28,799(7.2%>2024)
Fitness Upgrades: 498(59.1%>2024)
Fitness Upgrade Revenue: $15,436.52
JenniDavidson
Personal Training
Demand for Personal Training continued to grow in 2025, with certified fitness professionals offering one-on-one, partner, and Small Group Dynamic Training options. Sessions are tailored to individual goals, with a strong emphasis on proper form, technique, and safety. Flexible packages accommodate a varietyofschedulesandfitnesslevels
Personal Training: PackagesSold:275(335%>2024) Revenue:$66,17825(101%>2024)
Small Group Dynamic Training: PackagesSold:20 Revenue:$3,04425
Jenni is the department’s Health & Fitness Specialist and is approaching her one-year anniversary as a member of Team O’Fallon. Her extensive certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) including Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Coach, and Physique and Bodybuilding Coach make her a valuable asset to members and guests at the Renaud Center
Youth Programs
Camps
The Recreation Department’s camp program offers summer day camps, specialtycamps,andseasonaloptionsincludingWinterBreakandSpring Break camps Led by a large team of engaging, well-trained counselors, O’Fallon’s camps are known for being reliable, accommodating, and fun. Campers enjoy enriching experiences such as field trips, crafts, games, and interactive activities at three locations within the O’Fallon parks system: Camp JACK at the Renaud Center, Camp GATOR at Krekel Civic Center,andCampOTTERatO’DayPark
CampJACK:816Participants,$158,71860
CampGATOR:982Participants,$187,180.20
CampOTTER:440Participants,$79,354.90
Civic Dance
TheCivicDanceStudio,locatedwithintheKrekel Civic Center, is home to a nine-month long dance program which culminates with a yearend dance recital in May Instructors emphasize technique, placement, elegance, and discipline. The curriculum is designed to help students build a progressive foundation for dance skills with disciplines ranging from ballet, tumbling, tap,hiphop,jazz,andcontemporary
EnrollmentAverage:72
TotalRevenue:$69,993.03
RecitalAttendance:458
RecitalRevenue:$2,74800
Counselor in Training: 9 Participants, $4,937.00
Winter Break Camp: 28 Participants, $2,125.00
Spring Break Camp: 19 Participants, $3,055 00
Other Programs
Children are invited to learn new skills, build social connections, and have fun through a wide variety of classes. Among the most popular offerings from the Youth Programs team are Tumbling and Tae Kwon Do. These foundational programs help cultivate lifelong skills and serve as a cornerstone of the Recreation Department’s commitment to enrichingthecommunity
TaeKwonDoEnrollments:81
TaeKwonDoRevenue:$4,321.00
TumblingEnrollments:418
TumblingRevenue:$19,24340
AmyJordan
Amy has served in the role of Recreation Specialist – Youth Programs for over seven years She oversees several of the department’s most popular programs, including Summer Camp, Civic Dance, Tumbling,andTaeKwonDo Shecontinuesto expand her professional expertise, gaining certificationasanAmericanHeartAssociation CPRandFirstAidInstructorinAprilandbeing selected to lead MPRA’s Region 4 Summer CampSummitinSeptember
Venues & Weddings
O’Day Lodge
O’Day Lodge is a spacious banquet center located in O’Day Park. Opened in Spring 2019, this venue features a large multi-purpose room and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater for weddings, conferences and more.
Rentals: 70
Revenue: $109,277.50
Improvements: Staff streamlined the building’s Audio-Visual equipment, making it easier for renters to use.
Krekel Civic Center
Krekel Civic Center is a versatile community center located in Civic Park. Opened in Fall 2018, this venue features three multi-purpose rooms that can combine into one large event hall. The facility is also home to the department’s Civic Dance program and weekly yoga classes.
Rentals: 95 (4.4% increase vs. 2024)
Revenue: $42,170 (15.8% increase vs. 2024)
Improvements: Additional security cameras were installed throughout the building.
AliMcCulloch
Pavilion
Rentals
The City of O’Fallon offers eleven rentable pavilions throughout the City’s parks. Pavilion amenities range from barbecue pits, playground access, electricity and various sizes for every event.
Rentals: 585 (6.1% decrease vs. 2024)
Revenue: $50,435 (2.7% increase vs. 2024)
Improvements: The Civic Park Bandstand underwent a significant renovation in April 2025, breathing new life into one of the largest pavilions the city offers.
Ali has proudly served as the department’s Recreation Specialist - Venues & Weddings for almost four years. She oversees all departmental rentals, including O’Day Lodge, Krekel Civic Center, Renaud Center, and our many pavilions!
Her favorite part of working in Parks & Recreation is getting the chance to connect with the O’Fallon Community.
Memberships
Total membership revenue increased from $1 32 million in 2023 to nearly $1 38 million in 2025, a 4.2% overall rise. Growth is driven by the Family, Senior Couple, Senior, and Youth categories, with Family memberships accounting for over 44% of pass revenue over the past three years.
Demographic trends in O’Fallon and St. Charles County indicate a gradually aging population, with more residents transitioning into the 55+ segment. As members age, many shift from adult to senior or senior couple plans, while families may feel compelled to discontinue family bundle memberships once children age out of the Kids Korner program at age nine This transition may also contribute to the increases seen in youth memberships, as children become eligible for their own plans. Collectively, these demographic shifts support sustained growth in senior and youth memberships while underscoring the Renaud Center’s overall financial stability.
These charts provide a snapshot of membership revenue by category over the past three years. The distribution chart shows each category’s average share of total revenue, while the trend chart highlights year-over-year growth and decline, with Senior Couple memberships showing the strongest growth and Family Bundle memberships experiencing the largest decline.
Cultural Arts
O’Fallon Theatre Works
Since2001,O’FallonTheatreWorkshasproducedmusicals,dramas, andcomediesthatbothinstructyoungperformersandengagethe communityintheartsForthesecondconsecutiveyear,OTW presentedfourproductionsTheCompleteWorksofWilliam ShakespeareinApril,SIX:TheMusical-TeenEditioninJune,The CuriousSavageinOctober,andTheBestChristmasPageantEver: TheMusicalinDecember.SIXbecamethesecondOTWproductionto surpass$20,000inticketsales,nearlymatchingthetotalrevenueof 2024’sAChristmasCarol
2025Stats:
Shakespeare:$8,184(479Tickets)
SIX:TheMusical:$20,656(1,287Tickets)
CuriousSavage:$9,022(537Tickets)
BestChristmasPageantEver:$19,488(1,254Tickets)
Community Galleries
The City of O’Fallon operates three art galleries at the Renaud Center, City Hall, and Krekel Civic Center, each featuring quarterly rotating exhibitions. Shape of Community is a rotating, citywidesculptureexhibitionshowcasingeleven large-scale works in prominent locations throughout the city, with the current installation beginning in June 2024 and supported by a self-guided tour offering insight intoeachartist’sinspirationandinterpretation.
DanaDegnan
Shakespeare in the Park
TheSt.LouisShakespeareFestivalonceagain broughtitsacclaimedShakespeareinthe Park tradition to O’Fallon through PerformanceintheParkSince2001,the Festivalhasreachedmorethanonemillion people,withitsTourCoprogramdelivering streamlined,actor-drivenproductionsto communities,schools,andorganizations acrossthegreaterStLouisarea EventRevenue:$1,063
Dana joined Team O’Fallon as the Recreation Specialist – Cultural Arts in October 2025. She oversees the City’s public art initiatives, including the rotating galleries and the Shape of Community sculpture series. Additionally, she manages the City’s popular theater productions and provides residents with a varietyofart-infusedprograms.
Tourism & Festivals
Whiskers & Wags
This marked the department’s fourth annual adoption event, connecting local shelters with prospective pet owners and offering pet owners a day in the park with their four-legged companions. Despite rainy conditions, more than 300 people attended, with Bow Wow Canines and the O’Fallon Police providing live demonstrations throughout the event
Vendors On-Site: 15
Adoption Agencies Present: 11
Adoption Leads Generated: 10
Event Revenue: $7,630 (91% increase vs 2024)
Heritage & Freedom Fest
O’Fallon celebrated another Heritage & Freedom Fest from July 3–6, a four-day Independence Day tradition featuring live entertainment, a full-scale carnival, professional sideshows, two nights of fireworks, and the area’s longest parade. Staff added two more popular acts to the city’s long list of Heritage & Freedom Fest headliners with performances by Neon Trees on July 4 and Gabby Barrett on July 5.
Event Revenue: $114,610 67
Celebration of Lights
O’Fallon’s Fort Zumwalt Park was once again transformed into a Winter Wonderland, featuring festive holiday light displays and themed scenes from Black Friday through December 30. Each scene was designed and funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses as a fundraising opportunity.
Drive-Through: 10,807 Tickets
$173,640
Holiday Stroll: 14,765 Tickets (98%)
$118,120
Trolley Rides: 1,626 Tickets (95%)
$27,642
Sleigh Hayrides: 51 Slots Filled (91%)
$7,650
Train Rides: 23 Slots Filled (82%)
$1,725
Total Revenue: $328,777
Jammin’ Concert Series
In 2025, O’Fallon’s popular Jammin’ Summer Concert Series featured 10 weekly concerts held from May 27 through August 5 Each Tuesday, attendees enjoyed a free concert along with food trucks, concessions, and sponsor-hosted activities
Event Revenue: $15,520 (59 6% increase vs 2024)
Summer Sendoff
The 2025 event welcomed approximately 200 attendees and featured partnerships with the St. Charles County Library, a balloon artist, inflatable and yard games, a DJ, and a mobile bookstore. The event also introduced its first-ever school supply drive, supporting students in need within the Fort Zumwalt School District.
Event Revenue: $3,220 (200% of 2024)
Food Truck Events
O’Fallon’s food truck events bring together great food and great company in two city parks, featuring live music and seasonal activities twice each year A popular new addition this year was an outdoor showing of the Disney film, Coco, on the game field during Food Truck Fright Food Truck Frenzy: June 6 at Sports Park (10 Vendors) Food Truck Fright: October 10 at Dames Park (8 Vendors)
Event Revenue: $6,564 (22% increase vs 2024)
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Hosted by Mayor Bill Hennessy at City Hall on November 19, the event featured a holiday market with 17 vendors, free train rides, and photo opportunities with Ace the Clydesdale and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Staff continued the tradition of giving by collecting donations of canned and boxed food and personal care items to support local food pantries. Cold-weather accessories, including hats, scarves, and gloves, were also collected for donation.
Event Revenue: $2,955 (146% increase vs 2024)
