Brendan's Playground Grand Opening

O'Fallon's all-inclusive opens in with a celebration starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1.

The playground was named after nine-year-old Brendan Schmitt, a Westhoff Elementary School student who suffers from Thompson Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that makes it difficult for him to use traditional playground equipment.

The all-inclusive playground is specially designed with features that allow kids of all abilities to play together. 

Festivities begin Saturday afternoon with an opening ceremony officiated by O'Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy, followed by 250 students from  and singing a special song for the crowd. 

During Saturday's opening ceremony, Brendan will also share a speech he wrote. 

At the end of the ceremony, kids will have the opportunity to explore the playground equipment for the first time. 

The St. Louis Cardinal's very own Fredbird will make an appearance at the opening celebration, along with other characters to entertain the kids. 

General Parking Directions: 

• On I-70, take Exit 217, turn north at the bottom of the ramp onto Main Street, and drive about one mile; turn left (east) on St. Joseph Avenue; right (south) on St. Matthew, and follow St. Matthew to the Westhoff Park entrance on the left.   

Disabled parking:  

• On I-70, take Exit 219 at T.R. Hughes Boulevard and Belleau Creek Road; turn north on T.R. Hughes and drive for about .5 miles to the new Westhoff Park entrance on the left (west). The new entrance is just north of the railroad overpass.