Construction Update: March 2003

Aviation Field: The fields are complete and will be open for public play this spring. Work is still underway on the paths and asphalt concession drive. The Forest Park Softball League has formed and is taking applications from teams to begin play in April. Contact Roger Berry: 289-5378.

Boathouse: Project is on schedule...work on roof is now being done. Also scheduled for a June 1 opening.

Dual Path: The current bike path is open throughout the park. The Advisory Board will discuss the proposed new dual path along Skinker, Lindell, and the Fish Hatchery area, to Jefferson Lake in April and the design should be finished by June. Bids will be out and work is expected to start this Summer and completed this Fall.

Fish Hatchery area: Paver installation on Union is complete and Union is open. Work is still being done on the East Grand Drive entrance and the asphalt cannot be laid until the weather is warmer. Road should be reopened by mid-April and the project should be completed by June.

Fish Hatchery/MDC: Pond renovations will be completed by May.

Grand Basin/Post-Dispatch Lake: Work is progressing as planned with a scheduled June 1 completion date.

Golf Course/Clubhouse: The 9-hole Hawthorne course is complete and set to open March 3rd.

Ruthie’s Grill in the Clubhouse will be open on March 17th. Work continues on the remaining 18 holes – Dogwood 9 to be completed in September followed by the Redbud 9 in Winter’03.

Jewel Box: Project is complete and open to the public. Reservations for weddings and parties: 289-5389.

Langenberg Field: Renovation of the field should be completed in June and ready for use in 2004.

Lindell Pavilion: Work is underway with completion scheduled for Fall 2003.

River Project: The Forest Park Master Plan visions a connected linear waterway in the park from Jefferson Lake to the Cascades in a plan that simulates the natural layout of a river system. Work is continuing on this project with a late Spring/early Summer completion.

Signs: New signs directing park visitors to the various institutions and attractions should be in place by Memorial Day.

Road, Traffic Work

Clayton/Faulkner Avenues: Open but will be closed as needed to complete work by April 5.

East Grand Entrance: Closed as work is still proceeding on the bridge/river project.

Fine Arts Drive: Access to Art Museum parking lot from the east and to the Museum from the west. Construction should be complete in June.

Lagoon Drive: Now open. Final design work is being done. Construction scheduled for after April 5. Lagoon will be open but will be one-way going east.

Skinker Entrance: The dedicated right turn lane will be eliminated. Pedestrian signals will be installed to tell path users when they have the right-of-way. A concrete median will be installed. Project should be completed by Fall 2003.

Union Boulevard Entrance: Open. Work was completed by the city’s Street Department so it could be open along with the bike path.

Upcoming Events In the Park

March: Azalea Show at Jewel Box

March 15:UMSL Run/Walk (Upper Muny Lot)

March 17: Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade (Tamm at Wells avenues)

March 23: All Sport Half Marathon (Roadways)

March 30: Thurtene 5K Road Race (Upper Muny Lot)

April 5: 2003 USA Women’s Marathon Championship (Roadways)

April 6: Spirit of St. Louis Marathon (Roadways)