Open Space STL Leads Effort to Secure Parkland Protections in Florissant

Florissant voters will have the power to decide the future of their parks in 2026, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Open Space STL and local residents. In a landmark achievement, we successfully worked with the City Council to place a charter amendment on the April 2026 ballot, ensuring that no parkland can be sold, leased, or repurposed for private development without public approval. To further safeguard these cherished spaces, the Council also enacted a moratorium preventing any parkland redevelopment until after the vote.

This victory is the result of months of hard work by Open Space STL, passionate community members, and our partners at the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. It all started with concerns over a proposed land deal involving Koch Park, but we quickly realized this was about something much bigger—protecting all 565 acres of Florissant’s 19 public parks for generations to come.

“This isn’t just about one park. It’s about making sure residents have a voice in what happens to their public land,” said Kathy Wilson, a Florissant resident who helped lead our initial petition drive. “We came together, we organized, and we made the City listen. That’s something to celebrate.”

Our petition effort gathered over 1,500 signatures—proof that the people of Florissant wanted a say in the future of their parks. But rather than forcing a contentious vote, we took a collaborative approach. We engaged with city officials, held discussions, and ultimately negotiated a balanced and fair charter amendment that earned unanimous City Council support.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we accomplished here,” said Bonnie Harper, our Executive Director. “This is a model for how communities can work together to create lasting policy changes that protect public land. We didn’t just react to one issue—we set a precedent that will safeguard Florissant’s parks for years to come.” Our partners at the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center played a crucial role in shaping a strong, legally sound amendment.

The Great Rivers Environmental Law Center provided legal guidance throughout the process, ensuring the proposed charter amendment adhered to all municipal and state regulations. “We were proud to help the residents of Florissant with the legal aspects of this effort,” said Linden Mueller, Director of Development and Community Outreach at Great Rivers. “This is exactly why we exist—to provide communities with the legal tools they need to stand up for their environment. We’re proud to have supported Open Space STL and Florissant residents in this effort.”

This victory is just the latest in our 60-year legacy of protecting public lands. From advocating for local green spaces to shaping city policies, Open Space STL has always been committed to conservation. “This is what we do—empower communities to safeguard the spaces they cherish,” Harper said. “Florissant’s charter amendment is a landmark achievement, and we hope other cities take note.”

When Florissant voters go to the polls in 2026, they will have the chance to secure the future of their parks once and for all. Until then, we will continue working alongside residents to inform and engage the community on the importance of this amendment. “This is about giving people confidence in their ability to shape their community’s future,” Wilson said. “And thanks to Open Space STL, we’ve shown that when we work together, we can make real, lasting change.”

We encourage everyone to stay involved, spread the word, and make sure that Florissant’s parks remain community treasures for generations to come.