The Connection April Edition

April 2026

Community Outreach Liasion Quen Agnew

Building Connection, One Moment at a Time

This month has been a reminder that connection is all around us—we just have to lean into it. From spending time in the City of Florissant and learning more about the heart behind their community efforts, to attending a volunteer fair with the St. Louis County Library, I’ve seen firsthand how much people care about showing up for one another.

Florissant is a great example of what it looks like when a community leads with pride, purpose, and possibility. There’s something powerful about seeing a city embrace its story while continuing to create space for growth and new opportunities. It’s that same spirit I felt at the volunteer fair—rooms filled with organizations and individuals all asking the same question: How can I help?

That’s what connection looks like. It’s not always big or complicated. Sometimes it’s simply being present, offering your time, or taking the first step to engage with the people and places around you. As you move through this month’s newsletter, I encourage you to think about your own “one connection.” Where can you show up? Who can you support?

Because when we each do a little, it turns into something much bigger— together.

Inside This Issue Spotlight on

Florissant Around the Community Resources and Events

Community Hidden Gem

The Mercantile Library Located at UMSL is the oldest library west of the Mississippi and the grandparent of St. Louis cultural institutions.

Established in 1846 by civic leaders and philanthropists, the Mercantile exists today as a vibrant community and cultural asset.

Tip of the Month

This month, challenge yourself to make one intentional connection— check in on a neighbor, support a local business, or introduce two people who could benefit from knowing each other. Strong communities aren’t built all at once—they grow through small, meaningful moments. One conversation can go a long way.

Did You Know?

April is Stress Awareness Month. This serves as a reminder to recognize the harsh symptoms stress can have and take steps to prevent or counteract those symptoms. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and can lead to improvements in mental, physical, and social well-being.

Florissant - City

Community Spotlight

The City of Florissant proudly stands as one of Missouri’s oldest communities, with roots dating back to the late 1700s. Located just north of St. Louis, our city has grown into the largest municipality in St. Louis County while preserving a deep sense of history and community pride. We are committed to fostering economic growth without losing the welcoming, inclusive spirit that defines us. Our residents consistently share that Florissant is more than just a place to live, it is a place where people feel connected, supported, and truly at home.

Known as the “City of Festivals,” Florissant offers a vibrant calendar of

events that bring our community together year-round. From cultural celebrations and seasonal festivals to parades and concerts in our historic Old Town district, there is always something happening here. Old Town serves as the heart of our city, where traditions are celebrated and new memories are made. Complementing this energy is our expansive parks and recreation system, which includes 20 parks, 2 community centers, 2 outdoor pools, a golf course, and scenic trails that enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

As we look to the future, Florissant is guided by a comprehensive vision focused

on thoughtful growth and revitalization. We are actively working to enhance the Old Town district through increased walkability, redevelopment opportunities, and plans for a new town square that will serve as a central gathering space. While we remain a strong retail hub for North St. Louis County, we are also expanding our economic base by attracting light industrial development and reimagining existing

Pictured: Honorable Mayor Timothy J. Lowery, Patrick Mulcahy, Director of Economic Development, and Quen Agnew, Community Outreach Liasion of STL Partnership

St. Ferdinand Park

City of Festivals

spaces. Florissant is also experiencing a housing boom with three subdivisions under construction and almost 300 new homes being built. These efforts ensure that our city continues to evolve and grow while maintaining the character that makes Florissant unique.

Florissant is equally dedicated to strengthening connections, through communication, education, and opportunity. Our growing digital outreach keeps residents informed and engaged, while investments in parks, youth sports, and innovative facilities like

esports create new avenues for recreation and tourism. With strong school districts, higher education opportunities, and workforce development initiatives, we are preparing the next generation for success. As we invest in infrastructure, housing, and community amenities, we remain focused on a future where progress and connection go hand in hand, ensuring Florissant continues to thrive for years to come.

Community Festivals

Take One, Take Two

Sometimes it takes a couple tries to get the photo right—but that’s kind of like community work too.

At the volunteer fair with the St. Louis County Library, over 50 regional organizations came together, each offering a different way to get involved. It wasn’t about perfect moments—it was about people showing up, exploring, asking questions, and finding where they fit.

Not every connection happens on the first try. Sometimes it’s a second look, a quick conversation, or just being in the room that makes the difference.

And just like that all of these photos… it came together.

Spanish Lake Small Area Study

St. Louis County is leading a Spanish Lake Small Area Study, part of St. Louis County’s 2050 Plan, to help shape the future of Spanish Lake and create a clear plan for the community. The goal is to build on previous efforts. In early 2026, a group of 65 residents of all ages, business owners, and community leaders shared their thoughts through meetings and surveys.

Key Takeaways:

Strengths:

- Area’s Natural Beauty

- Strong Sense of Community

- Easy Access to Region

Needs Improvement:

- Safety Concerns

- Lack of Businesses That Service Daily Needs

- Various Poorly-Maintained Properties

This input is helping guide a shared vision for a safer and more welcoming Spanish Lake. Later this year, the public will have a chance to provide more feedback. Next, the project team will take this feedback and turn it into a draft plan with public input. Finally, the draft plan will be finalized and a public hearing to adopt the plan will take place.

Resources & Events

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