St. Louis Reveals $6M Park Path Design
Great Rivers Greenway presented plans for the Forest Park Connector, a segment of the Brickline Greenway scheduled for construction in 2028.
By John Laurent ·
The Brickline Greenway project aims to create a continuous 14-mile network for non-automobile travel across St. Louis. On Thursday night, Great Rivers Greenway presented the design for the Forest Park Connector to the public.
Emma Klues, vice president of communications and outreach for Great Rivers Greenway, stated that the organization has reached just over halfway to the design completion point. She said the presentation allows the community to review the plan and provide feedback before finalization.
The proposed route connects the Cortex MetroLink station to Forest Park. The design includes modifications to a large intersection located past the MetroLink station. It also features a new rest area in a small park situated just before Kingshighway.
Klues indicated that Great Rivers Greenway is collaborating with Forest Park, the City of St. Louis, BJC, and Washington University Medicine on this project. She noted that the segment serves as one of the final pieces required to link the park to downtown and the Arch Grounds.
The Forest Park Connector is a $6 million project with construction slated to begin in 2028. Klues said the greenway will cover 14 different neighborhoods. The design intends to accommodate walking, cycling, strollers, wheelchairs, and transit connections.
Vladimir Sukhov, a cyclist who was at Forest Park on Thursday, said he enjoys cycling in the park but faces challenges on city roads. He said dedicated bike lanes would improve his experience when traveling through the Central West End.
Janet Newcomb said the new connections are needed to link Forest Park with the Archgrounds and riverfront areas. She said existing greenways in other parts of the city have successfully attracted people and connected previously separate places.
Steven Foelsch, a public policy advisor at the Starkloff Disability Institute, said the existing greenway sections provide him with safety and freedom. He said using the MetroLink and the greenway allows him to travel without crossing busy streets, reducing the feeling of being in peril.
Source: KMOV
