The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), colloquially referred to as the Mormon Church, is the largest denomination originating from the Latter Day Saint movement founded by Joseph Smith Jr. in 1830. In addition to the sanctuary at this location, there is also a family history research library, which is open to the public.
Wings of Hope is an award-winning 501(c)(3) organization with an international mission: to provide medical transportation, health care and relief services in 42 countries with an immediate need or in remote or isolated areas. Started in 1962 by four area businessmen, Wings of Hope offers services around the clock, year-round. Volunteer opportunies for health care professionals, pilots, mechanics and administrative personnel are outlined on the company Web site.
Kirkwood Public Library offers residents access to an extensive collection of new books, adult fiction, teen fiction, adult and teen non-fiction, magazines, audio books, large-print books, music and movies. Patrons can enjoy learning about their favorite subjects while relaxing in one of the building's comfortable seating areas located on the ground floor. They can also conduct research online at one of the ground floor's 14 computer work stations. The lower level of the library boasts a spacious, colorful children's section with additional computer work stations, and the building's upper level offers secluded work stations. If residents can't find what they are looking for, friendly front-desk staff will work to locate materials through the municipal library consortium.
Women in Charge is a nonprofit organization that helps women and children suffering from poverty, neglect or abuse. The organization's mission is to educate women so they can provide a better life for themselves and their children. It provides literacy and GED programs, mental health and career counseling, computer skills and stress management.
As the oldest park in the city parks system, Blanchette Park has also seen many changes through the years. It has always been a gathering place for the community, however.
Today, residents head to Blanchette Park to swim in the aquatic facility, which is open between the end of May and the middle of August each summer. Children must be 12 to attend by themselves.
Memorial Hall in the center of the park, is a facility that can be rented for everything from a pancake breakfast to a reception. Rooms can be rented individually. Rau Garden is another popular outdoor garden that can be rented for outdoor weddings.
The park also has baseball diamonds, a football field, horseshoe courts and tennis courts. Bum's Hollow is a natural amphitheater that is used for concerts in the summer and for sledding in the winter.
The City of St. Charles Parks and Recreation Department's Administrative Center is located within Blanchette Park. Visitors can reserve facilities in any of the city's parks by calling the administrative center at 636-949-3372.
Tilles Park at Lay and Litzinger Roads in West St. Louis County was developed in 1937 on a 68-acre parcel of land donated by Andrew Tilles. Tilles was a philanthropist who lived and worked in the St. Louis area until his death in 1951.
Tilles Park is home to the Winter Wonderland exhibit each year during the holidays, a spectacular holiday-themed light display. The park also features a children's playground and a pond for fishing. There are picnic areas and an fitness route as well.
LifeSpring Community Church is affiliated with The Great Commission Churches, which is an association of evangelical churches. FaithWeavers, an age appropriate Bible study for all ages, begins at 9am on Sunday. The main worship service begins at 10:15. LifeSpring Kids offers infants through fifth graders their own Sunday services during worship service. This church is located on Thoele Road, near McClay Road.