Long loved ball fields along Marshall Road in Kirkwood have sat empty for five years. City leaders just approved selling the 14 acre site to the Kirkwood United Soccer Club for 175000 dollars. This deal could soon bring kids back to the grounds near the Meramec River for fresh soccer games and community fun.
Council Approves Deal After Years of Waiting
Kirkwood City Council gave initial approval during a special meeting on March 11. Leaders reviewed several proposals for the property at 2377 Marshall Road. They chose the soccer club because its plan best matches what families want.
This sale keeps the land working for local youth sports.
Council Member Gina Jaksetic shared her thoughts at the meeting. She said it feels good to finally wrap this up and called it a win for the city and the club. Deputy Mayor Mark Zimmer added that the move helps students and keeps youth sports alive while the area stays maintained.
The city took ownership of the fields in 2023 after the Kirkwood Athletic Association deeded them over at no cost. Officials evaluated options carefully before moving forward with the sale.
Fields Sat Unused Due to Flooding and Costs
The former Kirkwood Athletic Association baseball and softball fields operated for decades. Flooding near the Meramec River created ongoing problems. The association faced financial trouble and closed the site around 2021.
For the past five years the grounds have grown over with weeds. Rusty fences and old structures sat unused. The city removed unsafe buildings for safety reasons but paused full demolition plans in 2024 after residents spoke up about losing the space.
A group of neighbors even tried to lease the fields last year to bring back baseball and softball. The city turned down that idea while searching for the right long term solution. Everyone agreed the land should stay focused on kids and sports.
Soccer Club Sees Chance to Grow Local Programs
Kirkwood United Soccer Club started in 2014 as a nonprofit. It gives boys and girls in Kirkwood and nearby areas a chance to play competitive soccer close to home. The club focuses on community spirit along with skill development through training sessions and summer camps.
Here is what the club currently offers families:
- Teams for multiple age groups of boys and girls
- Competitive games balanced with fun community events
- Specialized training to help players improve
- Summer camps that keep kids active during breaks
The club has seen strong growth in recent years. Its leaders say they need more dedicated space to support all the teams. Buying these fields would let them build a true home base for local soccer.
Club board members confirmed they are now in a due diligence period. They will study the site carefully and check what upgrades make sense. Once that review finishes they plan to share more details with the community.
Residents Welcome Return of Youth Sports
Many locals remember playing on these fields as kids. Dawn Quello played soccer there growing up and feels sad seeing the site sit empty. She hopes the next generation of Kirkwood kids gets to create their own memories on the same ground.
Soccer has become a big part of life in Kirkwood and across St. Louis.
Parents like the idea of keeping the property active instead of letting it sit unused. The deal supports the city’s goal of responsible stewardship while helping keep young people healthy and engaged. Youth sports build teamwork confidence and lifelong friendships.
Kirkwood families value these opportunities. Safe places for kids to play matter in growing suburbs like this one. The shift from baseball to soccer reflects how local interests change over time while the need for active recreation stays strong.
What Comes Next for the Marshall Road Site
The club will finish its review of the property in coming weeks. Leaders expect to announce specific plans after that. Possible changes could include new soccer fields drainage improvements and safer facilities that handle occasional flooding better.
City officials say the 175000 dollar price reflects a fair value for the 14 acre parcel. The money will go back into community resources. Everyone involved wants to see the land return to its original purpose of giving kids a place to play.
This story shows how patience and community input can lead to good outcomes. Instead of tearing everything down the city found a local group ready to invest and revive the space.
Kirkwood families can look forward to hearing cheers and seeing soccer balls flying on Marshall Road again soon. The deal brings hope that these fields will once more fill with kids learning teamwork and enjoying the game they love. It reminds everyone why neighborhoods fight to keep sports spaces alive for the next generation. What are your thoughts on this change for Kirkwood youth sports? Share your opinion in the comments below.
