Meramec Athletics Complex Improvements
Investing in our campus. Staying connected with our neighbors.
Investing in our campus. Staying connected with our neighbors.
St. Louis Community College-Meramec is moving forward with renovations to its athletics complex, including improvements to the soccer, softball and baseball facilities.
The project will provide updated turf fields and new lighting to support STLCC student-athletes and athletic programs. It also will create more opportunities for other schools and community organizations to use the fields for games and tournaments.
The athletics complex represents the next phase of improvements at STLCC-Meramec following voters' support of Proposition R. Recent campus projects include the new Financial Education Services and Emerging Technology Center, renovations to the Student Center, and the removal of two legacy buildings to create additional green space and gathering areas for students and employees.
These projects are helping STLCC create modern learning, recreation and gathering spaces while continuing to invest in the Meramec campus.
We know construction and changes to our campus can raise questions for our neighbors. We are committed to keeping the community informed as the project moves forward and to making improvements thoughtfully, with consideration for our surrounding Kirkwood community. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the upcoming renovations.
What is being renovated at the Meramec athletics complex?
STLCC is renovating the facilities that serve its soccer, softball and baseball programs. The improvements include new turf fields, concessions and lighting for evening games.
The project is an investment in the college experience for STLCC student-athletes, programs and the broader community. It builds on the College’s nationally recognized and award-winning National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) sports teams.
The renovation also includes removing the track. The track is in disrepair, and the College no longer has a track and field program. We recognize many in the community use this track for recreation and exercise; however, residents are welcome to walk through our campus for recreation and enjoy our tree-lined pathways and our native gardens.
Why are lights being added to the athletic fields?
The lighting will allow the fields to host evening games. The lighting must also meet National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) requirements to provide appropriate visibility and ensure athlete safety during competition.
Will the new lights affect residents nearby?
STLCC recognizes that field lighting is an important concern for neighboring residents.
The College is working closely with its contractor and the City of Kirkwood to minimize lighting spillover while still meeting the safety requirements for athletic competition. The lights are designed to reduce spillover to focus on the fields for athletes’ safety.
The lights will not be on continuously, only when needed for evening games.
How often will the lights be used?
The College’s soccer, baseball and softball games are usually scheduled earlier in the afternoon, and typically end by nightfall and do not need the lights. These teams also play most of their games during the daylight savings time season, when there is more daylight. However, this addition gives our athletics flexibility to occasionally host night games.
As a community resource, we plan to make our fields available to other schools or community organizations for tournaments or games. These games may be played in the evenings, and lights will be used as needed.
Is STLCC removing all of the trees along Rose Hill Avenue?
No. STLCC is not removing all of the trees along the campus border at Rose Hill Avenue.
The project targets three trees in this area for removal. Two are in poor condition. The decision is based on recommendations from arborists consulted for the project.
How is STLCC working with the City of Kirkwood?
STLCC is working with the City of Kirkwood on aspects of the project involving lighting, construction and trees. The College has also consulted horticulturists, forestry experts and arborists as part of its planning.
The goal is to make needed campus improvements while respecting the environment and the surrounding Kirkwood community.
Why are other trees being removed?
Some trees on our campus’ interior have been removed to accommodate renovations to the athletics complex. STLCC has worked with city officials, horticulturists and forestry experts as part of its campus construction and renovation planning.
Plans followed the City of Kirkwood Tree Ordinance and were approved by the City's forestry and building departments.
What is STLCC doing to preserve and add trees on campus?
STLCC-Meramec continues to invest in its campus tree canopy and landscaping.
- Recent STLCC-Transformed campus projects added 158 trees at the Meramec campus. There will be an additional 50 trees planted with the athletics expansion.
- Since spring 2025, STLCC's horticulture department has also planted 78 trees.
- STLCC-Meramec has been a Tree Campus USA member since 2022.
Tree Campus USA certification includes standards such as maintaining a campus tree care plan, dedicating resources to tree care and holding an Arbor Day observance.
What is the native prairie along Big Bend Road?
STLCC-Meramec is completing the first year of a three-year process to establish a native prairie near the Big Bend Road entrance. During the first three years, while it is being established, some may mistake it for weeds or grass that needs mowing. It will be a beautiful addition to our campus and the Kirkwood community as it matures.
The prairie is intended to support:
- Sustainable water management and usage
- Less irrigation
- More pollinators
- Greater plant diversity
- Reduced property maintenance and energy costs
- Hands-on teaching and learning opportunities for students and the community
How do these renovations fit with other improvements at Meramec?
The athletics complex is the next phase of improvements across campus following voters' support of Proposition R.
Recent projects have included the new Financial Education Services and Emerging Technology Center, renovations to the Student Center, and the removal of two legacy buildings to create additional green space and gathering areas for students and employees.
Questions? We're Listening.
Good communication with our neighbors is important to us. We welcome questions and concerns as renovations move forward.
Questions about the Meramec campus:
Feleccia Moore-Davis, PhD
President, St. Louis Community College-Meramec
mcpresident@stlcc.edu