General Information
314-290-8500
parks@claytonmo.gov
Department Director

Director of Parks and Recreation
Patty DeForrest
314-290-8464
pdeforrest@claytonmo.gov


Other Contacts
314-290-8504
Sports Hotline
314-290-8515
Special Events Hotline
314-290-8544
Inclusive Services
314-505-8607
Not sure who to contact? See the Parks and Recreation Staff Directory for a full list of staff duties and contact information.
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Parks and Recreation
Current News
Shaw Park Construction Update
The new trail system in Shaw Park is currently under construction. New trails will soon wind through the park in more organic routes following the contours of the land and enticing park patrons to explore the entire park. We ask that park patrons avoid areas marked closed or that are actively under construction by vehicles or workers. The new trails are expected to open at the beginning of July.
Shaw Park Master Plan Overlay Open House
Recently some new projects have been proposed to be added to the Shaw Park Master Plan. We want your input on these possible updates which include new water features and a grand entrance at Brentwood and Forsyth. We invite you to let us know what you think at an open house on Thursday, May 23 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at The Center of Clayton. We look forward to seeing you there!
Changes to Shaw Park Tennis Center this Season
Beginning with the May 1, 2013 opening, Shaw Park Tennis Center will be operated by Frontenac Racquet Club. As you may have noticed in the Summer Brochure, the Tennis Center will now have expanded hours along with a new program structure. This partnership will increase the quality and organization of our tennis services. More information is available at the Tennis Center website www.claytonmo.gov/tennis. Programs listed in the Spring Session will continue as scheduled.
Summer Membership
Do you know anyone looking for a cool place to burn some energy this summer? Summer Memberships to The Center of Clayton will be available starting May 13 and automatically end on August 31. They are perfect for students out of school and those looking for an escape from the hot and humid St. Louis summer. For more information, visit www.centerofclayton.com/summer.
Shaw Park Aquatic Center Opening
The outdoor pool opens later this month on Saturday, May 25! Be sure to get your passes early to avoid the long lines at the start of the season. More information can be found at www.claytonmo.gov/pool.
Summer Camps
Summer camps begin next month! The 2013 camp information and registration is available at The Center of Clayton and online at www.claytonmo.gov/camps. Be sure to fill out the 2013 Emergency Contact Form and return it to The Center to begin the registration process.
Lifeguards Wanted
Clayton Parks and Recreation is now hiring lifeguards and swim instructors at Shaw Park Aquatic Center and The Center of Clayton. All applicants must be at least 16 years old. For more information, visit www.claytonmo.gov/jobs.
Dog Park Membership
Memberships are on sale at The Center of Clayton for residents only. To get your membership before they sell out, please have the following information ready when you enroll:
- A current Resident Advantage Card or application with an unpaid utility bill.
- Dog Park Membership Application
- Proof that your pet:
- is spayed/neutered
- has a current rabies vaccination
- has a current bordatella vaccination
Annual membership will be valid April through March and will cost $80 for the first dog and $60 for the second dog. Since the dog park will open after the start of the season this year, the rate will be prorated to a lower amount. Each pet will be given a tag at registration and members will be provided with the code for the main gate.
Centennial Activities
Don’t forget to join the Clayton Centennial Celebration this year! Great events are planned including history lectures, Ralph Clayton’s birthday, and a community trivia night. For more information, visit the centennial web page at www.clayton2013.com.
About Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department's Mission is "To improve the quality of life for our citizens through the provision of comprehensive leisure services and recreational opportunities to individuals of all ages, abilities, and interests in a safe, healthy, and pleasant environment."
The Department of Parks and Recreation is divided into two divisions - The Recreation Division and The Parks Division. The Recreation Division’s responsibility is to oversee the development, expansion, and implementation of a wide array of programs, services and facilities and coordinate seasonal employees and personnel as well as volunteers. The Parks Division is responsible for effective and efficient maintenance services for park grounds, recreational facilities, park equipment and vehicles, park landscaping services, construction projects and special event support for the Recreation Division and the City of Clayton.
Parks and Recreation Organization Chart
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Clayton Parks and Recreation earned national accreditation in 2012. National accreditation through CAPRA is an extensive multi-year process, which includes the completion of an application and detailed self-assessment report, a site visit by a committee of experienced park and recreation professionals, and a final assessment completed by the agency and the Commission. Accredited agencies must fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 92 of the remaining standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. |
Accessibility to All Citizens |
We welcome individuals of all abilities to enjoy our facilities and programs. If you or someone you know requires assistance, let us know at the time of registration or at least 2 days before drop-in use. For more information, contact Mary Furfaro, Coordinator of Inclusive Services at (Voice) 314-505-8607 (TDD) 1-800-735-2966. |


We welcome individuals of all abilities to enjoy our facilities and programs. If you or someone you know requires assistance, let us know at the time of registration or at least 2 days before drop-in use. For more information, contact Mary Furfaro, Coordinator of Inclusive Services at (Voice) 314-505-8607 (TDD) 1-800-735-2966.