BALLWIN, Mo. – Ballwin officials are considering safety improvements at Vlasis Park, with projects in the works since 2022.

However, the drowning of a 4-year-old boy is speeding up those conversations.

Ballwin Police were called to an apartment complex around 9:30 pm last night, which sent them on a search for the missing child. 

Officers found the boy unresponsive in a nearby pond minutes later. 

In February 2024, a man’s body was also recovered from the same pond. Now, city leaders are exploring ways to improve safety past the park’s curfew.

The pond sits near a newly renovated playground, adding concerns about children wandering too close to the water.

As part of the city’s Vlasis Park Redesign plan, improvements to the retention pond are already in the works, and officials say they’re now prioritizing safety upgrades.

However, potential changes face challenges, as fencing regulations for retention ponds and conservation rules protecting Canadian geese that frequent the area, must be considered. 

The city released a statement to FOX 2, saying:

“We will take all comments and feedback into consideration as we continue moving forward with the next phase of the Vlasis Park redesign, which includes refurbishments of the recreation/stormwater retention ponds.”

The city is working with the Metropolitan Sewer District and the Department of Conservation to figure out a solution to this puzzle that stays within guidelines.