The City of Kirkwood will hold a "Community Day at the Park" on June 13 at Fillmore Park, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. This is the first event of its kind.   Residents are encouraged to attend and to meet their City staff and elected officials in a fun, informal morning gathering.

This is the first of several Community Day events the City will host for Kirkwood residents in neighborhood parks throughout the City.   These events will feature touch-a-truck exhibits with police and fire vehicles as well as booths staffed by representatives from all City departments - fire, police, electric, water, parks, Kirkwood Public Library, and others.

This is a great opportunity for residents to get to know their local government, ask questions, pick up some information, find out about volunteer opportunities, and learn more about the City's comprehensive planning initiative - EnVision2035.  Residents can take a look at the City's plans for the future and contribute ideas and thoughts to the planning process.

Fillmore Park is located on the corner of South Fillmore and E. Clinton Place, and it is equipped with playground equipment, so residents can bring their children.  Light refreshments will be served.

Future events will be held as follows, also from 10:00 a.m. to noon:

• July 18, Avery Park, 225 Avery Drive
• August 15, Ella & Charles Monfort Memorial Park, 2036 Briargate Lane
• October 10, Meacham Memorial Park, 340 New York Street

Kirkwood Electric received its third RP3 award from the American Public Power Association in May.  The RP3 recognition (Reliable Public Power Provider) was given to only 191 public power utilities - out of a field of more than 2,000.  Kirkwood Electric also received this prestigious award in 2011 and 2013, when the award was given for a two-year period.  This year it was awarded for a three-year period.

The APPA designation recognizes utilities that provide consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service.  The recognized utilities have demonstrated proficiency in four key disciplines - reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria within each category are based on sound business practices and represent a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity.

"We are honored to receive the RP3 designation," said Mark Petty, Director of Kirkwood Electric.  "Our utility staff put in a lot of hard work to serve the residents of Kirkwood.  The RP3 award represents a much-appreciated recognition of their hard work."

The APPA is the national organization representing more than 2,000 nonprofit, community-owned, and state-owned electric utilities.  This is the 10th year the RP3 recognition has been awarded.

One More Round - A Tribute to Johnny Cash will open the 2015 "Making Music" Summer concert series in Kirkwood Park.  The summer concerts start at 7:00 p.m., in the Lions' Amphitheatre and are sponsored by the Kirkwood Arts Commission, with funding from the Kirkwood Arts Foundation.  Click here for the full downloadable schedule and a description of each musical act.  The other dates and performers are:

~ June 27:  Gateway City Big Band
~ July 11:  Samba Bon
~ July 25:  Funky Butt Brass Band
~ August 8:  Lucky Old Sons
~ August 22:  St. Louis Wind Symphony

• Kirkwood Road from Jefferson Avenue to Monroe will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 7:00 a.m. and continuing through approximately 3:00 p.m.
• West Argonne from Kirkwood Road to Clay Avenue will be closed from 5:00 a.m. to about 1:00 p.m.
• The western-most section of East Argonne between S. Taylor and Kirkwood Road, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 7:00 a.m. to about 3:00 p.m. 

The first public Open House for the Comprehensive Planning process was held on Tuesday, May 19. If you were unable to attend, you still have an opportunity to provide valuable input. Please visit the EnVision Website at Kirkwood2035.org to view the virtual open house with all the materials that were presented on the 19th.

SURVEY:  Most importantly, please be sure to fill out the survey regarding goals for the Kirkwood community's growth over the next 20 years! The next Public Open House will be held September 22 at the Kirkwood Community Center, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., so mark your calendars.