Fenton, Missouri

Fenton, Missouri
City

Location of Fenton, Missouri
Coordinates: 38°31′41″N 90°26′39″W / 38.52806°N 90.44417°W / 38.52806; -90.44417Coordinates: 38°31′41″N 90°26′39″W / 38.52806°N 90.44417°W / 38.52806; -90.44417
Country United States
State Missouri
County St. Louis
Founded 1818
Incorporated 1948
Government
 • Mayor Mike Polizzi
Area[1]
 • Total 6.38 sq mi (16.52 km2)
 • Land 6.05 sq mi (15.67 km2)
 • Water 0.33 sq mi (0.85 km2)
Elevation 433 ft (132 m)
Population (2010)[2]
 • Total 4,022
 • Estimate (2016)[3] 4,032
 • Density 630/sq mi (240/km2)
Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
Zip code 63026
Area code(s) 636
FIPS code 29-23950
GNIS feature ID 0756044[4]
Website City of Fenton

Fenton is a city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States and a suburb of St. Louis. The population was 4,022 at the 2010 census.

History

Due to its proximity to fertile land and the Meramec River, the Fenton area has been inhabited for over 900 years. The earliest proof of ancient dwellers was excavated from the "Fenton Mounds", two conical, earthen burial mounds located near the southwestern border of Fenton. Diagnostic pottery shards from the mounds indicate they date from the Mississippian times, A.D. 1050 - 1400.[5] In 2001, the mounds were leveled for construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter.[6]

The Fenton territory was occupied by Native Americans and early settlers in the 1770s. William Lindsay Long founded the city of Fenton on March 23, 1818. The original eight square block area is now referred to as "Old Towne Fenton". The city remained unincorporated for the next 130 years. Garrett Hitzert was the city's first mayor after the city incorporated in 1948, his leadership helped build the foundation that much of the city's ongoing prosperity has been based on. He conceived of Fenton's expansive commercial business district that is a centerpiece of the city's fiscal success.[7]

Geography

Fenton is located at 38°31′41″N 90°26′39″W / 38.52806°N 90.44417°W / 38.52806; -90.44417 (38.527953, -90.444195).[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.38 square miles (16.52 km2), of which, 6.05 square miles (15.67 km2) is land and 0.33 square miles (0.85 km2) is water.[1]

The topography of the Fenton area is predominantly rolling hills.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1900160—
19101727.5%
1920146−15.1%
193023762.3%
1940171−27.8%
195020721.1%
19601,059411.6%
19702,275114.8%
19802,4176.2%
19903,34638.4%
20004,36030.3%
20104,022−7.8%
Est. 20164,032[3]0.2%
U.S. Decennial Census
2011 estimate

2010 census

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 4,022 people, 1,549 households, and 1,176 families residing in the city. The population density was 664.8 inhabitants per square mile (256.7/km2). There were 1,611 housing units at an average density of 266.3 per square mile (102.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.5% White, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 1,549 households of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.8% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.1% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 46.7 years. 21.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19% were from 25 to 44; 37.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,360 people, 1,587 households, and 1,239 families residing in the city. The population density was 710.7 people per square mile (274.6/km²). There were 1,631 housing units at an average density of 265.9 per square mile (102.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.98% White, 0.39% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 1,587 households out of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.7% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city, the population was spread out with 25.5% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $74,708, and the median income for a family was $80,536. Males had a median income of $56,425 versus $34,514 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,658. About 0.6% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.


Major corporations in Fenton

Major corporations in the city include the Nooter Corporation—makers of industrial equipment, UniGroup—owners of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, Wolff Shoe, Maritz, and the Fabick Tractor Company—a large Caterpillar construction equipment dealer. Joyce Meyer Ministries is based near Fenton, just outside the city limits in Jefferson County. Retail Technology Group, a major national Point-Of-Sale supplier, is based in Fenton.

Chrysler

The former Chrysler North and South assembly plants were located on North Highway Drive in Fenton. In their later years, the South plant assembled Chrysler minivans such as the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan, while the North plant assembled the Dodge Ram truck. The South plant ceased operations in 2008, while the North plant shut down for good in July 2009. In 2013 the site was considered as a possible location for a new stadium for the St. Louis Rams if renovations to the Edward Jones Dome did not materialize.[9] In 2014 a local St. Louis real estate developer purchased the empty 300 acre lot to develop 240 acres of offices, businesses, and industrial buildings, with the remaining 60 acres primarily designated for retail use.[10]

Athletics

Fenton is home to some of the most prestigious youth soccer clubs in the nation. The St. Louis Soccer Park is located along the river in Fenton and hosts multiple professional and semi-professional soccer matches. St. Louis Soccer Park is home to SLSG, a soccer academy founded and coached by Scott Gallagher. In 2012, the U18 team from SLSG played a match against the US Soccer U18 team. Fenton is also home to the Fenton Athletic Association. Ice hockey is also a popular sport in Fenton. The Fenton Forum is home to the Rockwood Summit Falcons ice hockey team. In addition, it is home to the Affton Americans youth and Tier II ice hockey clubs for many home games. Every year, the Missouri Fall Face-Off takes place in Fenton.

Parks

The City of Fenton is called the "City of Parks" due to its extensive park and recreation system. The City has seven fully developed parks on 350 plus acres including soccer fields, ball diamonds, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, fishing ponds, and approximately three miles of bike/pedestrian paths through the City. The parks include: Fenton City Park, Bud Weil Memorial Park, Fenton Meramec Greenway, Olde Towne Plaza Riverside Park, Valiant Park, and Westside Park. Plans are being developed for the former Fabick property in the heart of the City. These plans include trails and some passive uses.[11]

Heroes Memorial

In the spring of 2004, the Mayor of Fenton, Missouri, Dennis J. Hancock and the members of the Park Board (Board Chair, Glen Scholle, members Jeff Bodi, Charles Jahneke, Mike Lucas, Steve Covault, Gregg Cleveland, Diana Biras and Nannette Clark), determined that their city should build a memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It was also determined that the memorial would honor police, firefighters, EMS personnel and all veterans. The Heroes Memorial is located in Fenton City Park, 1215 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026.

The Heroes Memorial includes:

• A granite globe that "floats” on a thin curtain of water and spins easily at the touch of a child’s hand

• A black granite wall honoring the victims of the September 11th attacks. Engraved in the granite are the locations of the attacks. In front of the wall is a sculpture symbolizing the “Twin Towers”

• Two black granite pilasters listing the names of area police, firefighters and military personnel killed in the line of duty

• A beautifully landscaped stone planter wall containing plaques honoring veterans, police, firefighters and the victims of 9/11

• Flagpoles sponsored by local organizations

• Granite benches and pillars

• Hundreds of engraved brick pavers honoring the heroes involved in the lives of our Community

Bud Weil Park

Bud Weil Park displays a rich history. Gregory Domijan was an immigrant from Croatioa, A province of Yugoslavia. In 1929 Domijan, a stonemason by trade, purchased a 60 care tract of land. Included in the purchase was this park site. The land was purchased by the City of Fenton in 1979 The park was named after Bud Weil. For more information about Bud Weil and other notable Fenton residents, check out “River City: The Story of Fenton, Missouri” by Della Lang at the St. Louis County Library.

Fabick Nature Reserve

Fabick Nature Reserve has 2 lakes at the park. Preslar Lake is the most popular and easiest to get to. Public fishing is made possible by the City of Fenton in cooperation with the Missouri Conservation Department. All state and Missouri Conservation rules apply and are posted.

Fenton City Park

Fenton City Park is 96 acres and features multiple shelters, 1.4 miles of trails, athletic fields for softball, baseball, and soccer, and two basketball courts.

Meramec Greenway

The Meramec River Greenway is located along the Meramec River. It can be found by following the walking/bike path from Fenton City Park along the river to the Highway 30 overpass. The Meramec River Greenway has a boardwalk that has been constructed from recycled materials. There is a playground and restrooms along the Greenway next to Fenton City Park.

Olde Towne Plaza

Old Towne Plaza Park is located in downtown Fenton on Ware Street. It has a brick walking path with park benches.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park is a small park alongside the Riverside subdivision featuring an outdoor basketball court.

Valiant Park

Valiant Park is situated across the street from Fenton City Park and Fabick Nature Preserve. Shelter, playground, youth ball field and restrooms are available. Reservations and permits for the park fields and shelter are available to City of Fenton residents only.

Westside Park

Westside Park is 10 acres and features 1 mile of paved trail, a basketball court, playground, a shelter, and a public fishing lake.

Riverchase of Fenton Recreation Center

Riverchase of Fenton Recreation Center hosts many programs and activities for members and guests to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as numerous special events throughout the year for patrons of all ages. The state-of-the-art facility has a 5,694 square foot fitness center (includes indoor walking track), complete with 33 cardio machines, 21 selectorized weight machines, 3 swimming pools, and a basketball court.

Police

Captain John Wheeler, Commander
City of Fenton Police
5th Precinct Station
625 New Smizer Mill Road
Fenton, MO 63026
City of Fenton Precinct

Education

The city of Fenton is served by the Rockwood, and Lindbergh school districts.[12] Rockwood Summit is the only public high school in Fenton.[13] Two private schools are located in Fenton, Our Savior Lutheran School, and St. Paul Catholic School. St. Louis County Library Meramec Valley Branch is in Fenton.[14][15]

Notable people

References

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