Where Are We Now
Community Snapshot
Spanish Lake is a suburban rural community in north St. Louis County with a deep history dating back to the 1700’s. Today, the area includes neighborhoods, parks, farmland, and commercial areas spread across 19 square miles. The majority of the land remains undeveloped, retaining a lot of natural beauty that residents and visitors enjoy.
Residents often describe Spanish Lake as:
A place with natural beauty
A mix of rural and suburban living
A community with strong connections
What Do We Know So Far?
What we know so far is based on information about the community. For those who want to learn more, the section below takes a closer look at the data behind these insights.
Spanish Lake strengths include:
Strong natural assets
A committed community
A unique regional location
Spanish Lake challenges for the present and future include:
Housing conditions
Limited retail and local business opportunities
Safety and mobility for all people (not just those who have a car or can drive)
Existing Conditions Report
The Existing Conditions Report (ECR) is a deep dive into data all about Spanish Lake, from its land and environment to its history and people. These reports have shaped the key issues and opportunities for Spanish Lake’s future, which also helped to create the community vision and goals. To see the main points for each area of the ECR or view the final reports, navigate the buttons below.
Community Vision
In Spanish Lake, neighbors thrive and prosper together in a safe, healthy and welcoming community of opportunity enriched by nature, history, and the beauty of the Great Rivers.
Community Goals
The Study’s goals were created using data collected by the Study team and with input from Spanish Lake residents and community leaders.
Natural and Cultural Conservation
Protect, enhance, restore and connect the unique natural and cultural resources, parks, and agricultural lands within and adjacent to Spanish Lake for ecological health and the creation of engaging outdoor recreation and education.
Healthy Housing and Neighborhoods
Continue strengthening Spanish Lake's neighborhoods as healthy, green, connected communities that support an excellent quality of life through diverse and well-maintained housing options, and strong social and recreation opportunities to foster social connections and sense of belonging.
Commercial Districts and Corridors
Revitalize the neighborhood by capitalizing on vacant and underused land along Interstate 270 and Missouri Route 367, unmet local retail demand, and a growing visitor base. Transform the Belle Park Plaza area into a walkable town center with shops, housing, and public gathering space—drawing new development, supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
Streets, Trails and Mobility
Upgrade streets with road safety and infrastructure improvements for all mobility forms and abilities, while expanding trail and greenway systems to improve access to parks and public amenities.
Community Safety and Resiliency
Ensure high-quality public safety services through community policing and engagement; expand access to reliable services, utilities, broadband; provide effective code enforcement; strengthen healthy food options; support great schools for a safe and well-maintained environment.
Family, Youth and Senior Services
Partner with healthcare organizations for targeted services to mothers, youth, older adults, and veterans; support senior housing and assisted living; improve public health; and engage specialist groups for education, vocational training, workforce reskilling, and lifelong learning.
Leadership, Funding and Partnerships
Identify and fund the lead organization responsible for coordinating implementation, building capacity, and empowering community organizations and residents to co-create and sustain long-term, inclusive progress through a comprehensive funding strategy aligned with priorities.
Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Destination
Develop a regionally significant bi-state outdoor recreation, cultural tourism and eco-tourism destination centered on the confluence of the Great Rivers by leveraging the nationally significant history, culture and environmental features of Spanish Lake and surrounding areas, together with the St. Louis Zoo WildCare Park.
Next Steps
The next step is to turn insights from the data into a clear plan for the future. Stay tuned for more information on how that plan is coming together by attending the next two public meetings or by checking this website.