The Amenities, If You Please

Best Kept Secrets

Lisa and Lester Washington were introduced to Benton Park when they attended a house warming party held by a coworker. They bought their home in 1993. (People Productions photo by Clark Rowley)

"There are a number of high points which nicely accessorize our neighborhood," Charles Hooker points out. He moved to Benton Park in the mid-1980's. "For example, an interesting selection of restaurants, a bar with real character and the historic Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion complement the neighborhood," he explains.

"My favorite, of course, is the park itself," Charles remarks. His home on Arsenal overlooks the park, and he has worked with other residents to advance park interests and health. He is a self-employed horticulturalist, designing, building and maintaining gardens.

Tree plantings, clean-up efforts and use of the park for a series of neighborhood festivals have integrated the park into the fabric of the neighborhood. Recently, extensive repairs to a bridge and storage area in the park were accomplished thanks to a grant from the Whitaker Foundation and funds from the City of St. Louis. The effort won an award in 2000 from the Landmarks Association of St. Louis. The park is bounded by S. Jefferson, Arsenal, Wyoming and Illinois streets.

Gretchen Karros.
Looking at the park from the windows of her home transports Gretchen Karros beyond the urban environment of the neighborhood. (People Productions photo by Clark Rowley)

Enthusiasm for the gently rolling, 14 acre park is widespread. Lester Washington notes that "it is sort of a hidden park. It looks like just a regular park from South Jefferson. It looks better from Arsenal. But when you get out of your car and start to experience the park, it is really very unique. It adds another dimension to the neighborhood." Lester lives on Lemp with wife Lisa, who is promotions director for American Express in Fenton.

"When I look out at the park, it is as though I am in another world," Gretchen Karros observes. Her home on Arsenal also overlooks Benton Park. "The lake, the arched bridge with the iron railing and the trees are just wonderful," she says. A resident since 1979, Gretchen is an artist and photographer, and she also teaches yoga at Webster University and St. Louis Community College Meramec.

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