Community Feedback
Community Engagement
Public input is critical to this Study. From focus groups to community-wide surveys, resident and community leader-led committees, and Open Houses, the project team behind this Study wants to hear from Spanish Lake residents every step of the way.
See the Get Involved page for more information on upcoming and past engagement and to make your voice heard!
What We Heard from Focus Groups Participants
In February 2026, residents of all ages, business owners, and community leaders shared their thoughts about living in Spanish Lake in eight focus groups. 65 people took part in these small group discussions.
The participants spoke about what they value, what needs improvement, and their hopes for the community’s future.
What’s Working
Residents shared many positive things about Spanish Lake, including its beautiful parks, natural areas, and mix of rural and suburban living. They also highlighted easy access to highways, jobs, and daily living needs, along with a strong sense of community.
Many people described Spanish Lake as a place where neighbors support each other.
Challenges Residents Face
Residents also shared clear concerns, including not enough grocery stores and retail in their neighborhood, crime and safety issues in certain areas, and vacant and poorly maintained properties. They also pointed to limited public transportation and the need for better, inclusive communication, so more people can become involved in shaping its future.
A Shared Vision
Residents described a future where streets are safe and well-maintained, homes are cared for and occupied, and local businesses are thriving. They also envisioned a community where youth have more opportunities to connect and play, and one that feels welcoming for all, including attracting new residents. This vision will guide the next phase of the plan.
What Matters Most
When asked about priorities, several issues stood out, including better access to grocery stores and daily needs, improved street and road conditions, and maintained homes and properties. These priorities were shared across many age groups.
Focus Group Participant Quotes
What We Heard from Survey Participants
From March to April 2026, Spanish Lake residents shared their experiences through a survey. The survey questions built on the themes identified during focus groups, helping to validate what we heard from focus group participants while providing a broader picture of life in Spanish Lake. 209 people participated in the survey.
What’s Working
Spanish Lake residents value the community's natural assets, stable neighborhoods, and homeownership. Many residents have deep roots in the community, while newer residents continue to choose Spanish Lake because of its affordability and location. Parks and open spaces are an important community asset.
87% are aware of the future WildCare Park and its potential impacts on the community and its future
65% say they have access to nearby parks and open spaces, which are important community assets
54% have lived in Spanish Lake for an average of 22 years and represent a “legacy resident” population
Challenges Residents Face
Residents identified safety as the community's greatest challenge. Concerns about crime, speeding, poor lighting, vacant buildings, and limited shopping options affect everyday life and influence where people choose to spend their time and money.
73% say speeding is a problem
46% strongly disagree that streets and sidewalks are well lit
33% agree Spanish Lake is a safe place to live
A Shared Vision
Survey responses point toward a future where Spanish Lake is safer, more connected, and better equipped to serve residents of all ages. Residents want stronger community services, thriving businesses, attractive neighborhoods, and opportunities to bring people together.
52% agree parks and public spaces are kept clean
42% say local organizations are engaged in the community
38% report a strong sense of community
What Matters Most
Residents want investments that improve their quality of life and make the community feel safer and more connected. The highest priorities focus on improving safety, maintaining neighborhoods, and expanding shopping and services close to home.
47% ranked better lighting among their top two safety priorities
41% prioritized better traffic control
41% prioritized cleaning up vacant and derelict buildings
What We Heard from Public Meeting 1 Participants
On May 21, 2026, residents of all ages, business owners, and community leaders attended the first Public Meeting for this Study. 106 people attended and provided feedback on the community vision and goals, learned about the study, and enjoyed frozen treats. This Public Meeting was conducted as an open house, where attendees could visit display boards and stations to view information, speak with team members, and provide comments; there was no formal presentation.
What’s Working
Residents see Spanish Lake as a community with strong potential and a bright future. Many described the community as "on the rise" and "resilient" today, and highlighted its natural assets, WildCare Park, parks, and riverfront as strengths worth building on.
Natural assets, such as the riverfront and parks, were among the most celebrated community strengths.
Community pride was evident: participants described Spanish Lake as "On the Rise" and "Resilient,” and 92% of Open House attendees are residents of Spanish Lake or surrounding areas.
Belle Parke Plaza and the St. Louis Zoo WildCare Park were noted as key opportunities for community revitalization.
Challenges Residents Face
Residents consistently identified concerns about neighborhood conditions, safety, vacant properties, limited grocery and dining options, and the need for better streets, sidewalks, lighting, and transportation connections. Many also emphasized stronger code enforcement and more community services for families, youth, and seniors.
23% called for stronger code enforcement and upkeep.
24% called for more grocery stores and healthy food options.
19% wanted more lighting along streets and pathways.
What Matters Most
When asked to prioritize community goals, residents placed the greatest importance on creating healthy neighborhoods, improving public safety, supporting families, and investing in streets, parks, and pathways. These quality-of-life improvements ranked above economic development alone.
Top Priorities for the Future:
Healthy Housing & Neighborhoods
Community Safety & Resilience
Family, Youth & Senior Services
Streets, Parks & Pathways
A Shared Vision
Residents envisioned a future Spanish Lake that is beautiful, safe, vibrant, booming, and revitalized. Across activities, participants shared a vision of cleaner neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, expanded recreation, stronger community connections, and a place where families can live, work, and thrive.
"Beautiful" was the most common word describing Spanish Lake in 2050.
Other top vision words included: Safe, Better, Vibrant, Booming.
Public Meeting 1 Participant Quotes
What We Heard from Public Meeting 2 Participants
Public Meeting #2 was held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at the Occasionally Yours Banquet Center; 48 people attended. The project team provided a presentation, and then attendees participated in small working groups to discuss the concepts together. Community members reviewed the draft plan recommendations and strategies and shared what they liked, what concerns remained and what should be prioritized moving forward. Feedback showed strong interest in building on Spanish Lake’s natural assets and bringing new investment to the community, while improving everyday needs like safety, housing, infrastructure, shopping and services.
What’s Working
Participants responded positively draft plan ideas that build on what already makes Spanish Lake unique. There was strong interest in outdoor recreation, conservation, agriculture and nature-based tourism, including trails and biking, agri-tourism, farmers markets, horse-related activities and opportunities for young people to connect with nature and agriculture.
Major outdoor destinations in Spanish Lake include Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, Fort Belle Fontaine Park, and Spanish Lake Park; they are great jumping-off points for community-based tourism initiatives like eco-tourism (hikers, bird watchers), agri-tourism (farmers markets and pick-your-own fields like Eckerts Farm), and heritage tourism (about the history of the area, like learning about the Fort).
The St. Louis Zoo WildCare Park opens in 2027 and represents a $230 million investment in the community, and is projected to attract 421,900 visitors annually to Spanish Lake - these visitors could be enticed to stay long in Spanish Lake with community-based tourism opportunities.
Challenges Residents Face
Participants made it clear that new development cannot happen without addressing the challenges residents experience today. Safety, code enforcement, property maintenance, infrastructure and access to everyday services were recurring concerns. Participants also want to know how this plan will go from vision to implementation.
Spanish Lake currently does not have enough customer demand or site-ready land to attract significant private commercial investment at the scale residents want.
Existing conditions (including crime, housing vacancy, infrastructure condition and maintenance, all of which residents have named as ongoing issues) impact the potential for new commercial and residential development.
What Matters Most
Participants want investment that improves everyday life for residents and creates a draw for visitors. They discussed more locally owned businesses, restaurants and grocery options; stronger neighborhoods; more homeownership and rehabilitation; recreation for youth and families; and better connections to community amenities.
The draft plan identifies opportunities for retail and dining, health and community services, housing, outdoor recreation and agri-tourism/food hubs, all of which could benefit Spanish Lake farmers, business owners, and residents.
The plan identifies a need for health/community services near neighborhoods and coordinated services.
Housing recommendations focus on adding new housing alongside repair and vacancy reduction, reflecting residents’ emphasis on strengthening existing neighborhoods.
A Shared Vision
Across the conversations, a common vision emerged: utilize Spanish Lake’s open land, natural resources and agricultural character while bringing new investment, businesses, recreation and housing opportunities to the community. Participants want growth to strengthen existing neighborhoods and create benefits for both residents and visitors. Participants asked who will lead the work, how projects will be funded, whether investors have been identified and how residents will remain involved.
Major redevelopment will require the public, private and nonprofit sectors to work together, with a coordinated funding strategy to turn visitor activity into investment within Spanish Lake.
The implementation strategy calls for a Spanish Lake implementation committee and a lead organization to coordinate partners, funding, development sites and public reporting.
The draft strategy brings together hospitality and tourism, commercial districts, neighborhoods and housing, outdoor recreation and conservation, and community facilities for a comprehensive strategy.
Public Meeting 2 Participant Quotes