Stories

We measure our success in actual lives changed. These stories are a testament to the difference that communities can make when we come together to create lasting change.

Featured Story

Plattsburg's "Safe Roads" Initiative


The Plattsburg "Safe Roads Initiative" is a collaborative effort between the Plattsburg Community Association (PCA) and the City of Plattsburg, focused on enhancing safety, walkability, and bike ability in our town. Through grants and community support, this project aims to create safer sidewalks, crosswalks,  and bike lanes, ensuring a secure journey for children heading to school, the public pool, playgrounds, and back home. By prioritizing pedestrian safety, we are fostering a more connected and accessible community for everyone. This initiative reflects our commitment to making Plattsburg a safer, more walkable and bike able town, for residents of all ages.


Phase One Highlights:


  • New Sidewalks: Installing new sidewalks on a large section of Clay Ave and Oak to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility.
  • Lighted Crosswalk: Adding a new lighted crosswalk with "Stop for Pedestrian" signage to ensure safe crossing even when a crossing guard is not present.


Additional Phases:


  • Expansion of Sidewalks: Continued ADA sidewalk installation and improvements throughout all of Plattsburg, MO to further improve pedestrian connectivity.
  • Bicycle Lanes: Introducing bicycle lanes to enhance alternative transportation options within the community.
  • All phases build upon the foundation laid in phase one, aiming to create a more interconnected and accessible community for residents and visitors alike. Through these continued efforts, the Safe Steps Initiative remains dedicated to promoting pedestrian safety and enhancing walkability in Plattsburg.

Featured Story

Jefferson Highway Revitalization Project

The Jefferson Highway Revitalization Project, sponsored by the collaboration between Plattsburg Community Association, the City of Plattsburg, Clinton County Historical Society, and the Arts and Community Betterment, is an ambitious initiative aimed at restoring and enhancing a historic thoroughfare that has been a vital part of our community's heritage.


Key elements of the revitalization include:


  • Historic Downtown Restoration
  • ADA Sidewalks: Improving pedestrian access with newly constructed ADA compliant sidewalks for both our residents and visitors.
  • Historic Flags: Celebrating the rich history of the Jefferson Highway by adorning the route with flags that highlight its significance and storied past.
  • Restored Hitching Posts: Bringing a touch of nostalgia and historical charm by restoring the original horse hitches, serving as a reminder of the highway's early days.
  • Historic Plattsburg and JH Highway Visitor Center
  • AND SO MUCH MORE...


Join us in this transformative effort to preserve our history while enhancing the functionality and beauty of the Jefferson Highway for generations to come. Together, we can create a space that honors our past and looks forward to a vibrant future.

Featured Story

Project Perry

Project Perry, an exciting community initiative spearheaded by the Plattsburg Community Association and in partnership with the City of Plattsburg and the Clinton County Historical Society, aims to breathe new life into our beloved park and immediate surrounding area, while preserving a vital piece of our local heritage. This comprehensive revitalization effort encompasses several key components designed to enhance recreational facilities and create a vibrant, inclusive space for all residents.


Key aspects of Project Perry include:


  • Installing an ADA multi-use walking and biking trail around the park and depot, connecting the two and enhancing accessibility, with ADA trailhead and parking (lot across the street from depot).
  • Updated Basketball Court: Repaving the old blacktop, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for players. Protective chainlink fencing and side bench will provide security and comfort for spectators and participants alike.
  • Restored Concrete Wall Sections and Community Mural: Refurbishing the existing concrete wall sections under the shelter and adorning them with a beautiful mural that celebrates the spirit and diversity of our community, creating an inspiring and visually appealing backdrop.
  • New Public Restrooms: Constructing new public restrooms to enhance the convenience and comfort of park visitors.
  • Saving the Historical Train Depot and Barn: Undertaking extraordinary efforts in partnership with the Clinton County Historical Society to restore and preserve the historic train depot, an iconic landmark of our town. This preservation will include the establishment of a museum and community hub within the depot and bran, providing a versatile venue for events, gatherings, and activities.
  • Installing a stage to allow better visibility for performers during events such as Juneteenth celebrations, and much more to come.
  • Installing a community garden with access to water (lot across the street from the depot) and educational classes in partnership with MU extension county programs.


Join us on Project Perry as we work together to rejuvenate our park and create a welcoming community space that honors our shared heritage. Together, we can build a park that reflects the strength and unity of our community, providing enjoyment and pride for future generations.




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Featured Story

Fireman's Park Revitalization

The Fireman's Park Revitalization project aims to transform our beloved park into a  beautiful, functional, and inviting space for the entire community, while preserving history by incorporating it into the design.


This comprehensive initiative includes:


  • Updated Picnic and Gathering Area: Perfect for family outings and community events.
  • Landscaped Creek: Creating a visually stunning creek while controlling spring water to reduce marshy areas, while maintaining the natural habitat.
  • ADA Sidewalks: Enhancing accessibility throughout the park.
  • Bridge Over the Creek: Seamlessly connecting the separate spaces of the park.
  • Botanical Section: Featuring wildflowers as well mosquito deterrent plants.
  • Additional Benches: Providing more seating for visitors to relax and enjoy the space.
  • Nature-based play space: Stimulating our children’s imaginations



This project is a testament to our commitment to enhancing community spaces, fostering a deeper connection with nature, and providing a harmonious environment for everyone to enjoy.

Featured Story

Christmas in Victorian Plattsburg

Christmas in Victorian Plattsburg, an exciting heritage tourism initiative led by the Plattsburg Community Association in partnership with the City of Plattsburg, seeks to transform our community into a premier holiday destination while celebrating our rich Victorian roots. Inspired by Plattsburg’s historic charm and the legacy of Santa Claus Shaver, this project blends tradition and festivity to create a truly magical experience for residents and visitors alike.


Key features of Christmas in Victorian Plattsburg include:


  • Victorian Holiday Atmosphere: Carolers in period dress, horse-drawn carriage rides, and storefronts illuminated with holiday cheer will bring the season to life throughout downtown.
  • Drive-Thru Light Display at Perkins Park: A dazzling centerpiece of the initiative, offering families an immersive holiday tradition filled with festive lights and joyful memories.
  • Santa Claus Shaver – A Real Victorian Santa: Unique to Plattsburg, the legacy of Santa Claus Shaver will be brought to life as part of the experience. Visitors will come from all over to hear the story of a real Santa who once lived in our town. Through live portrayals, storytelling events, exhibits, and photo opportunities in a Victorian setting, Santa Claus Shaver will become a defining feature of Plattsburg’s holiday identity.


Phase 1: Lighting the Way

The first fundraising phase focuses on creating the foundation for the drive-thru light display at Perkins Park. This includes:


  • Installing Victorian lampposts and power pedestals to bring the light displays to life while enhancing long-term park safety and beauty.
  • Purchasing a boom lift for safe installation of displays each season.
  • Securing storage containers to protect and preserve the lights for years to come.


Funding Goal: $300,000

This foundational investment ensures the infrastructure is in place to launch the initiative and grow the event year after year.


Economic Impact

Christmas in Victorian Plattsburg is more than holiday cheer—it is a driver for economic growth. Similar holiday initiatives in other communities generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in seasonal visitor spending on shopping, dining, lodging, and fuel. With a projected $300,000–$1,000,000+ in new economic activity each year, this initiative will attract families, travelers, and holiday shoppers to our town—strengthening local businesses and creating lasting prosperity.


Join Us

By supporting Christmas in Victorian Plattsburg, you’re doing more than funding lights—you’re investing in our community’s future. You’ll help launch a holiday tradition that brings joy to families, supports local businesses, and establishes Plattsburg as a regional Christmas destination.


Together, we can light the way and share with the world a town where Victorian charm and the magic of a real Santa Claus truly come to life.




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