Fenton parks panel orders bids to repair outlook wall and fence, hears updates on pavilion move, nature preserve and tree work

The Parks and Recreation Committee and Tree Advisory Board on April 7 voted to request bids to repair and tuckpoint the stone wall at the Fabic overlook and to repair or replace an aging chain-link fence, and received updates on a possible move of the Old Town pavilion, Budweil Annex improvements and a large citywide tree-removal plan.

Committee members said they want cost information before deciding whether to preserve the existing stonework or remove it. The motion to seek firm estimates was approved unanimously by the six members present.

Why it matters: The outlook area at the Fabic Nature Preserve contains a partially standing wall and former pool decking that the committee and staff say are deteriorating and pose potential safety and liability issues. The committee framed the work as part of a multi-year effort that also includes stair repairs, native-plant restoration and a new restroom and pavilion planned for the Budweil Annex.

Most important facts

- The committee voted to request bids to repair the stone wall (tuckpointing and related masonry work) and to repair/replace the fence adjacent to the wall. The motion passed unanimously (6-0). The committee will forward the cost estimates to the Board for consideration.

- Staff updated members on an ongoing investigation into moving the Old Town pavilion to 41 Gravois Road. Dan Howard, parks staff, said the project’s cost hinges on work by Ameren to lower or move power lines; moving companies will not provide final pricing until Ameren specifies required clearances. "We're under the impression it's gonna be very expensive. It's gonna be a very expensive endeavor," Howard said.

- Repairs to existing staircases at the Fabic overlook and related work were approved in 2024; the contractor RV Wagner is scheduled to perform those repairs when weather allows. Staff said a manufactured restroom building is expected to be installed in June at the Budweil Annex with new parking to serve that area.

- The committee reviewed plans to keep Fabic primarily a passive nature preserve (an "eco" plan) rather than a heavily recreational site. Staff said vehicle access to the overlook is impractical because widening Huck Road would be costly; the Budweil Annex is being developed to provide closer parking and restroom access.

- Committee members and staff reported ongoing tree work: approximately 20 trees were removed recently in the Fabic/Budweil area for disease or safety reasons; a citywide tree study (conducted about two years ago) identified 236 dead, dying or diseased trees that will be removed in parks and rights-of-way as conditions allow. The city previously paid about $24,000 for that tree study, a cost shared with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Other updates and next steps

- Old Town pavilion move: Staff continues to coordinate with Ameren and a moving company. No firm cost estimate was available; staff reported that Ameren must determine which lines require lowering before the mover will provide a price. If costs prove prohibitive, the committee said it will compare moving the pavilion to building a new structure at the target site, 41 Gravois Road, which has sewer, water and electricity.

- Fabic outlook improvements: Staff described several design options discussed in earlier plans (2017–2018) ranging from preserving the existing masonry features to re-terracing the site. The committee asked staff to obtain bids for masonry work and for fence repair or replacement so the Board can decide whether to preserve the wall.

- Budweil Annex and amenities: The city is planning a pavilion and restroom at the Budweil Annex. Stairs at the outlook were described as an "attractive nuisance" and scheduled for rework by RV Wagner when weather permits. Staff said additional tree clearing and native-plant restoration with the Missouri Department of Conservation will continue as funding allows.

- Pickleball courts and reservation policy: Committee members raised confusion about the reservation system for the eight courts. Parks staff said four courts will remain available for drop-in play when not reserved, and staff will clarify the online notices and newsletter language. The committee agreed to add a policy review on the May agenda.

- Arbor Day and plantings: The committee confirmed an Arbor Day workday on April 26 at Pavilion 1 (9 a.m.). Staff said the city will receive approximately 11 trees through a spring program and will continue to replace trees as funding and inventories allow.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve minutes from the March meeting — Outcome: Approved (unanimous; procedural).

- Motion: "This committee recommends to the Board that they investigate getting the fence repaired and replaced and tuckpointing/maintaining the existing rock wall" — Outcome: Approved (6-0). Notes: Staff will solicit bids and return cost estimates to the Board.

- Motion: Adjourn meeting — Outcome: Approved (unanimous).

What staff said

Dan Howard, parks staff, summarized the Old Town pavilion work: "We have met with Ameren. Their question to get us a bid to get the pavilion moved ... all depends on what clearance they need." He added, "We're under the impression it's gonna be very expensive. It's gonna be a very expensive endeavor." He also reported the restroom building for Budweil is being manufactured and is expected to be installed in June.

Context and background

The Fabic outlook has been discussed in prior plans (2017–2018) and the committee has previously favored keeping the site as a passive nature preserve. The city has been working with the Missouri Department of Conservation on native-plant restoration and has contracted or is contracting forestry cutting services for larger clearing work tied to a grant. Stairs and other repairs were approved in 2024; funding and weather affect the work schedule.

What to watch next

- Cost estimates for masonry and fence repair to be returned with bids for Board consideration. - Ameren’s clearance determination and moving-company pricing for any Old Town pavilion relocation. - Final installation schedule for the Budweil restroom and completion of stair repairs by RV Wagner. - Clarified pickleball reservation policy to appear on the May agenda.

Ending

Committee members said they will review bids and return recommendations to the Board; staff said it will continue clearing, restoration and infrastructure work as weather and budgets permit. The committee set its next meeting for May 5.