List of St. Louis City Parks
ABOUSSIE PARK
13th and Lynch Streets
0.40 Acres
Date: 1981
Ordinance 58438
The city's smallest park is a triangle-shaped park that was created when I-55 sliced through the Soulard neighborhood. The park has beautiful floral displays created by the residents of 13th Street. Each spring the neighborhood holds a party to spruce up the park and plant flowers. They maintain the flowers throughout the summer with the aid of the parks department.
ADAMS PLAYGROUND
Tower Grove and Vista Avenues
2.34 Acres
Date: 1928
Ordinance: 33785 and 36607
1 Softball Field
1 Playground
1 Drinking Fountain
1 Spray Pool
ALOE PLAZA
18th-20th-Market-Chestnut
Ordinance Date: 1931
2.40 Acres
Now: 3.35 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 38206 - 38778
Acquisition Cost: $2,385,205.73
STATUE: Meeting Of The Water (Milles) Fountain
Plaza Development:
Development of the Aloe Plaza was made possible by an $87 million bond issue in 1923. The funds were used for widening Olive Street and the clearance and development of land for several plazas in the area bounded by Market, Chestnut, 12th and 20th Streets. Aloe Plaza was named in honor of Louis P. Aloe, who died in 1929. He served as President of the Board of Alderman from 1916 to 1923 and led the movement for passage of the bond issue.
Origin of Fountain Plans:
Louis P. Aloe's widow, Mrs. Edith Aloe, became acquainted with the work of the Swedish sculptor, Carl Milles, at an exhibition of modern art held by the St. Louis League of Women Voters in 1930. The idea of commissioning Milles to build a fountain in Aloe Plaza grew out of her enthusiasm for his work . Mrs. Aloe offered to contribute $12,500 to the cost of a Milles Fountain.
Building of the Fountain:
The City signed a contract with Milles in 1936. Milles designed and cast the bronze statues for the fountain in his studio at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook, Michigan. The fountain was completed in November 1939, but remained veiled until its dedication on May 11, 1940 before a crowd of 3,000 persons.
ALOE PLAZA
Theme:
The fountain, named "The Meeting of the Waters", depicts the union of the Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers, represented by the two central figures. Accompanying the two main figures and forming a wedding procession are 17 water spirits, symbolic of the smaller streams that empty into the two major rivers.
Cost: The fountain cost approximately $150,000. The total cost of the Plaza was $2,385.205.73.
Lighting: The fountain is illuminated by (96) 300-watt floodlights, placed just below the surface of the water and arranged in groups around the figures. The cost of the project totaled $15,000 with $12,000 for the lighting and approximately $3,000 for improvements in landscaping Aloe Plaza. Howard Baer, President of the A.S. Aloe Company, contributed $7,500 to the project and the City of St. Louis paid the other half of the cost with funds from the 1944 bond issue. The lighting was installed by the Fremder Electric Company. In 1985, the lighting system was completely restored through contributions of time and money.
ALOE PLAZA WEST EXTENSION
20TH, 21ST, Market, Chestnut
0.95 acres
Donation: 1969
Ordinance: 55277
AMBERG (RICHARD H.) PARK
Keokuk and Gustine Avenues
Ordinance Date: 1963
2.76 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 49831-52077 from Board of Education
$110,631.50
PLAQUE: Amberg, Richard H. Memorial Plaque
1 Comfort Station
1 Softball Field
1 Playground
1 Soccer Kick Board
1 Spray Pool
History:
The southern half of the park site was purchased by the city in January of 1962 at a cost of $55,250 from the St. Louis Board of Education, who sold the city the northern half of the contiguous site for $55,250 in August, 1963, following a fire which destroyed the Dunnica School building. Funds for the purchase of the site came from the 1944 and 1955 bond issues.
Amberg Park was designed by Landscape Architect, Robert E. Goetz and Associates in 1966 and construction began during January, 1967.
The park was named in honor of Richard H. Amberg (1912-1967) for his personal distinction and his contributions to the parks and playgrounds of the city. He also served as publisher of the Globe Democrat.
AMHERST PARK
Hodiamont and Julian
4.38 Acres
Date: 1970
1 Playground
1 Basketball Court
1 Volleyball Court
1 Multi-Purpose Court
BARRETT BROTHERS PARK
St. Louis And Goodfellow
Ordinance Date: 1947
13.16 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 44053-44149
$87,500
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Shelter
1 Basketball Court
3 Softball Fields
1 Baseball Field (Lighted)
2 Football Fields (Lighted)
1 Volleyball Court
BECKETT PLAYGROUND
Taylor and Cook
Ordinance Date: 1959
3.34 Acres
Ordinance 49343
$271,316
1 Comfort Station
1 Shelter
1 Playground
2 Basketball Courts
1 Softball Field
BELLERIVE PARK
Broadway and Bates
Ordinance Date: 1908
5.67 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 22937 & 23854
$110,422.50
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
History:
Originally known as Riverside Park, it was later renamed Bellerive Park in honor of the early French governor of St. Louis. It was purchased for $110,422.50 as a terminus for Bellerive Boulevard and to provide a scenic viewpoint for a fine riverscape vista.
BENTON PARK
South Jefferson and Arsenal
Ordinance Date: 1866
14.30 Acres
Donated Ordinance 5852
MONUMENT:
Hecker, Frederich - A German Revolutionist who came to St. Louis in the forties. The memorial is a shaft of gray stone. On two sides are circular medallions with the dates 1848 in one, and 1961 in the other. There is a third medallion with a bronze portrait, in high relief, set in. The sculptor was G. Stubenraugh. On the opposite side is a bronze wreath of oak leaves. On four sides of the base of the shaft, above the medallions, are four torches carved in full relief in the stone, and above these are four stars in high relief. Ernest C. Janssen was the Architect, and the memorial was erected in 1882.
Fishing - 1 Lake - Stocked with fish
1 Reflecting pool
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Horseshoe court
2 Tennis courts (Lighted)
History:
Benton Park's site was originally set aside for a city cemetery at the time of the sale of land in the old St. Louis Commons in 1836. It ceased to be used as such in the early 1860s, after the development of newer cemeteries in outlying locations. It was created by City Ordinance on June 25, 1866 after the founding of Bellefontaine and Calvary Cemeteries in North St. Louis made possible this transformation into a well-shaded and popular pleasure area.
One of the principal attractions is an artificial lake and rustic bridge. In its early history it was difficult to maintain a supply of water in this lake because of its proximity to "English Cave." The lake was then drained and all crevasses which had occasional leaks were filled with concrete. Boating on this lake was a popular summer pastime and in 1888, the park contained a greenhouse and extensive landscaping. In recent years, Benton Park has been completely remodeled and landscaped with the city's neighborhood rehabilitation funds derived from the sale of City property, as part of the Cherokee Pilot Rehabilitation Area.
The large playground is provided with new and modern equipment and an excellent storage and shelter building was erected overlooking the lake. Close to the southern entrance of the park is a granite obelisk monument to the memory of Colonel Friedrich Karl Franz Hecker.
LOUIS G. "MIDGE" BERRA PARK
Shaw and Macklind
Ordinance Date: 1945
4.80 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 43098
$15,000
Formerly named Vigo Park
STATUES: Berra, Louis G. "Midge" Bust and Fountain
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
2 Lighted Softball Fields
1 Lighted Soccer Field
1 Multi-Purpose Court
2 Tetherball Courts
2 Horseshoe Courts
History:
The park and monument honor Midge Berra who was a long-time political force in the South St. Louis area. The statue was donated by the Hill Association and dedicated in June 1968. The city installed all new playground equipment in Berra Park in December 1994.
EUGENE "TINK" BRADLEY PARK
Marcus and Margaretta
Ordinance Date: 1958
3.18 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 50507
$36,463
1 Playground
1 Softball field
BUDER PLAYGROUND
Ewing and Rutger
Ordinance Date: 1912
2.31 Acres
Gift - Deed from G.A. and Lydia Buder in memory of Susan R. Buder who died August 7, 1909.
1 Comfort Station
1 Softball Field
1 Playground
1 Basketball Court
1 Volleyball Court
2 Horseshoe courts
BUSCHE PARK
No. Broadway and Calvary
Ordinance Date: 1913
6.20 Acres
Donated Ordinance 39096
CARNEGIE PARK
Indiana and Wyoming
Ordinance Date: 1899
2.07 Acres
Donated Ordinance 20468
History:
This playground was acquired in 1899 to be a market but nearby property owners protested and that scheme was abandoned. The Park Department was then put in charge of the playground. It was partially developed into a public park in 1904.
CARONDELET LIONS PARK
Davis and Michigan
Ordinance Date: 1929
1.70 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 37583-38023
$15,458.30
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
5 Picnic Shelters
1 Softball Field
History:
This tract of land was originally owned by Bryan Mullanphy who, in his will, bequeathed this property to the City of St. Louis. The Lions Club of Carondelet, under the leadership of Stanley Hrack and John Adolphson, arranged for the grading, seeding, sodding and installation of playground equipment and softball backstop in the first phase of total development.
The City of St. Louis supplied the landscape and engineering plans for the project.
CARONDELET PARK
South Grand and Loughborough
Ordinance Date: 1875
179.71 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 43499
$143,971.10
40 FOOT FLAG POLE: Also a bronze plaque honoring the city's past, present and future soccer players was donated by Joseph A. McLaughlin in memory of McLaughlin's brother, Peter J. McLaughlin and Henry Menendex, soccer players who used the park.
Fishing:
Lake #1 - 3 Acres of Water - Stocked with fish
Lake #2 - 5 Acres of Water - Stocked with fish
3 Softball Fields (2 lighted)
1 Lighted Baseball Field
3 Soccer Fields (2 lighted)
1 Field House
1 Lyle Mansion
1 Maintenance Building
5 Lighted Tennis Courts
1 Shelter House
4 Picnic Shelters
3 Barbecue grills
1 Music Stand
1 Boathouse
1 Casting Dock
2 Playgrounds
10 Horseshoe Pits
Bicycle path
5 Comfort Stations
History:
Carondelet Park ranks as St. Louis' third largest park with a total of 179.71 rolling green acres. The park is dotted with picturesque lakes and inspiring scenery. Acquisition of the tract for a city park was the result of the wishes of residents of the far south side during the campaign for the creation of Forest Park in the early 1870's. They felt that Forest Park was too distant for their convenience and, therefore, demanded a park in their end of the city. Provisions for parks on the north and south sides were added to the Forest Park plan and the combined Park Proposition won the approval of the voters. Carondelet Park was subsequently purchased by the city in 1875. The Park dedication took place on July 4, 1876, the hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Only three years after the founding of St. Louis in 1764, Clement DeLore came up the Mississippi River with his family, looking for a home site. He found precisely what he wanted near the foot of what now is Elwood Street; a site close to the river but above flood stages. There he built the first house and was soon joined by other Frenchmen from Cahokia, Canada and Kaskaskia.
The village that grew around the DeLore homesite was called the Lore's village by the inhabitants. De Lore at first called it "Louisborough", but in 1794, he named it "Carondelet" in honor of Baron de Carondelet, Governor General of the Spanish-Louisiana Province. Presumably, by authority of DeLore, there was assigned to settlers long strips of land for cultivation in what became known as Carondelet Common Fields. The 180 acre tract in the Carondelet Commons that is now Carondelet Park was part of a Spanish land grant to Amos Custis Lyle, a native of Virginia, who was a pioneer settler in Carondelet. By 1842, it had been inherited by his grandson, Alexander Lacey Lyle, who erected the present eight-room frame Lyle House , which is now the park's link with the early history of the area. In 1940-42, the historic Lyle House was extensively restored and modernized. It is now considered to be an outstanding example of nineteenth century residential architecture. In recent years, the home has been used as a Senior Citizen's Center. Alexander Lyle and his family are said to have left Carondelet during the Civil War because of their suspected Southern sympathies. Later the property came into the possession of Roswell M. Field, a cousin of the famous poet, Eugene Field. These strips ran from Virginia Avenue to Morganford Road and the area thus divided runs from Carondelet to Meramec Street.. DeLore seems to have had the beginning of a Town Plan in his mind, but it was not recorded and few of the settlers had deeds. When this became United States Territory, by reason of the Louisiana Purchase in 1804, Carondelet Village had about 50 houses and about 250 inhabitants.
The Carondelet was incorporated as a town in 1832. It was known as "Vide Pouche", which means "empty pocket". In 1851, it was incorporated as a city and had a population of 1,265. Carondelet merged with the City of Saint Louis in 1870. The early inhabitants were, of course, French; but later, many people came from Alsace-Lorraine, Luxembourg, and Rhineland.
Carondelet Park has many interesting features, among these are inviting Horseshoe and Boathouse Lakes. The four picnic grounds are used extensively and are heavily attended almost every day of the picnic season. The playground, lighted baseball diamond, softball diamonds, and tennis courts are in constant use. The bandstand was built in 1898 and its boathouse was completed in 1908.
CARR SQUARE
Cole and Selby Place
Ordinance Date: 1842
2.30 Acres
Gift - Recorded 1844
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Basketball Court
History:
Presented to the City in August, 1842 by William C. Carr, with the stipulation that it was "to be forever used as a square". However, its 2.30-acre area was used as a public dumping ground for many years but was filled in and improved by 1855. It was later enclosed with a high iron fence at the request of the citizens of the neighborhood. A new music pavilion was built in 1903 at a cost of $649. During 1903, an old wooden flagstaff, which had been blown down, was replaced with a new 65' steel flagstaff, and a new slate roof was put on the tool house. The Civic Playground Association expressed a desire to use a portion of this Park for a playground in 1904, upon which to erect swings, gymnastics apparatus, and various accessories necessary for the complete equipment of a model playground. The old fountain basin was cracked and in bad shape at that time; therefore, it was removed and replaced with a granitoid basin constructed 30 feet in diameter. It was further improved with a brick entrance structure about 1910. Carr Square was situated in the most densely populated portion of the City in the early 1900's. An extension eastward to Fourteenth Street was added in 1963.
JORDAN W. CHAMBERS PARK
Compton, Cardinal, Franklin
Ordinance Date: 1966
6.31 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 52881-53692
$524,450.00
1 Swimming Pool
2 Lighted Tennis Courts
2 Horseshoe courts
2 Basketball Courts
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Soccer Field
1 Skating Rink
History:
The park is named in honor of Jordan W. Chambers, a prominent black civic leader.
CHEROKEE PARK
13th and Wyoming
Ordinance Date: 1924
Purchased Ordinance 33061, 33778
8.90 Acres
$90,000
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Baseball Field
1 Soccer Field
History:
This park's original area of 8.9 acres was reduced by the construction of Interstate Highway 55.
CHRISTY PARK
South Kingshighway and Gravois
Ordinance Date: 1910
32.37 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 24722
$98,504.13
1 Comfort Station
2 Playgrounds
1 Softball Field
1 Soccer Field
CLIFTON HEIGHTS PARK
Simpson and Bowman
Ordinance Date: 1912
4.40 Acres
Dedication
Lake - 1 Acre of Water
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
History:
Originally developed as a private Park for residents of the Clifton Heights subdivision, the tract was conveyed to the city in 1912. About 1922, the city bought adjoining property, enlarging the park to its present size of 4.40 acres.
COMPTON HILL RESERVOIR PARK
Grand and Russell
Ordinance Date: 1867
35.80 Acres
Acquired by Water Department
$100,000
STATUE: Naked Truth
1 Comfort Stations
1 Playground
2 Lighted Tennis Courts
1 Decorative Fountain
1 Basketball Court
History:
Located at Grand and Russell Avenues on the east side of the street, the large reservoir wall was designed by Guy Study. The arrangement of steps and wall fountains is in the manner of those in the gardens of Italian villas. Two bronze tablets on either side of the steps on the west wall give all of the historic information about the reservoir.
Early settlers preferred river water to wells and in 1829, they contracted with John L. Wilson and Abraham Fox to supply "clarified water" to the city by means of reservoirs and a system of six inch cast iron pipes. Since 1835, when Fox sold his company, St. Louis has owned and operated its own waterworks.
One of the highest locations within the city limits of 1855, this land was chosen as the site of the principal city reservoir in 1867 by James P. Kirkwood, who was then the chief engineer of the Water Department. It comprised about 40 acres and was acquired at a cost of $191,900. Although the reservoir itself occupied only about 18 acres of the block, the remainder was suggested by Kirkwood to be used as a park.
The problem of mud sediment in the storage reservoirs was solved in 1870 when a new waterworks system at Bissell's Point was put into operation. To supply South Saint Louis, water was pumped five miles to the new Compton Hill storage reservoir.
Built 834 feet long, 501 feet wide and 22 feet deep, it cost $290,445.00 and has a capacity of 60 million gallons.
The water tower, built as superstructure for Stand Pipe No. 3 in 1899 after a Romanesque design by George Mann, is a South Saint Louis landmark. This brick shaft with its stone base costing $48,000 quickly became a favorite spot from which to view the City, but is now closed to the public. During the 1930's, the reservoir was covered with a concrete roof upon which tennis courts were placed in use until World War II. Balustrades and two large fountain basins on either side were added the following year and the massive head by architects Roth and Study was designed in the west retaining wall.
On August 6, 1961, the Water Division turned over the care and funds for maintenance of the Park to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Construction of Interstate Highway 44 in the early 1970's reduced the area of Compton Hill Reservoir Park by about one-fourth and necessitated the relocation of the "Naked Truth" statue elsewhere within the Park.
The statue called "The Naked Truth" was placed in this Park facing the northwest entrance. It is a memorial to Preetorius, Schurz and Daenzer, German-American newspapermen; and it is also meant to commemorate the German spirit in American citizenship. The memorial was a gift to St Louis by the German-American Alliance and was unveiled on May 27, 1914. The sculptor was Wilhelm Windschneider of Berlin
The statue is a nude figure of a woman seated on a stone bench with arms outstretched, holding torches. The figure symbolizes Truth and the torches are for the enlightenment of Germany and the United States. The figure of Truth is of bronze in heroic size. The eyes are painted as in some bronze figures of the Greeks and as in many modern German statues. There is a long inscription on the back of the shaft in incised lettering expressing the devotion of German-American citizens to the country of their adoption. This inscription is repeated in German.
COSTELLO PARK
Page and Union
0.72 Acres
DE SOTO PARK
20th and Carr
Ordinance Date: 1908
17.38 Acres
Condemnation Ordinance 23298-23850
$35,290
Ordinance Date: 1952
Ordinance 45700
$190,000
1 Soccer Field
2 Softball Field
History:
To provide for the recreational needs of the many families residing in the Pruitt, Igoe and Vaughn housing projects, the City acquired the site for a new DeSoto Park in 1952. This Park replaced the smaller DeSoto Playground that was swallowed up by the housing development.
DICKMAN PARK
Baden and Newby
5.21 Acres
Ordinance Date: 1938
Purchased Ordinance 41327 & 42812
$17,000
DWIGHT DAVIS PARK
Lillian & Oriole
Ordinance Date: 1951
9.60 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 45283, 45967
$15,200
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Basketball Court
2 Softball Fields
1 Baseball Field
1 Multi-Purpose Court
1 Soccer Field
2 Tennis Courts
1 Spray pool
History:
Dwight F. Davis, a civic leader and donor of the David Cup in tennis, was a Cabinet member, Governor General of the Philippines, notable soldier and internationally known devotee of sports
As Secretary of War under Calvin Coolidge, Davis was the youngest member of the Cabinet.
He returned to his home in St. Louis after college and becoming a world-class tennis player, Davis was appointed to the St. Louis Public Baths Commission. He served on the Public Library and Art Museum Boards and was elected to the city's House of Delegates. In 1911, he was appointed St. Louis Park Commissioner. Intensely interested in recreational facilities, he had the conviction that public parks were intended for public use, not merely for appearance sake.
He laid out baseball diamonds, tennis courts, golf courses and stirred up enthusiasm for outdoor sports. He was the father of municipal baseball leagues, which played in parks throughout the City. Davis took the "Keep Off The Grass" off park lawns and invited the public to make free use of every facility offered by his department. Public parks, he argued, belonged to the public. As a result, the organized use of municipal parks for recreation centers spread throughout the country.
Dwight F. Davis was born in 1879 and died in 1948.
The park named in his honor was dedicated on August 1, 1962.
EADS SQUARE PARK
Eads and Ohio
4.20 Acres
Ordinance Date: 1979
3 Tennis Courts (2 Lighted)
1 Playground
ELLENDALE AND ARSENAL PARK
Ellendale and Arsenal
Ordinance Date: 1926
9.00 Acres
Donated Ordinance 35159 & 37129
1 Comfort Station
2 Lighted Tennis Courts
2 Softball Fields
1 Soccer Field
FAIRGROUND PARK
Grand and Natural Bridge
Ordinance Date: 1908
131.46 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 24004
$700,000
MONUMENT: Louis Kossuth
Lake - 9 Acres of Water - Stocked for fishing
5 Comfort Stations
1 Playground
8 Lighted Tennis Courts
1 Swimming Pool
1 Maintenance Building
5 Softball Fields (1 lighted)
5 Baseball Fields (2 lighted)
1 Casting Dock
1 New Fieldhouse
1 Old Fieldhouse
2 Soccer Fields (2 lighted)
1 Basketball court
4 Football fields (1 lighted)
1 Skating Rink
1 Spray pool
History:
In 1855, a group citizens founded the "St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Association," which held an annual fair beginning in 1856. Prominent citizens under the leadership of Colonel J. Richard Barrett, founded the venture, which was not intended to pay dividends, all profits going to expand and beautify the enterprise. A site of 50 acres at the northwest corner of Grand Avenue and the Natural Bridge Plank Road was purchased from Col. John O'Fallon for $50,000. It was well outside the city limits and was, in fact, an hour's journey from the city by horse-drawn carriage. The area was landscaped and enclosed what was then the largest amphitheater in America. This structure had two tiers of seats, seating 12,000 plus standing room for 24,000. Later newspaper accounts tell of 100,000 persons being packed into the facility to witness a special attraction.
The fair was an immediate success and soon became noted all over the country. It was, in reality, a gigantic country fair. There were booths for vending wine, beer, and other delicacies. There were displays of livestock, poultry, vegetables, grains, and the latest inventions in farm
machinery, tools, household gadgets, etc.
The first buildings erected were the amphitheater, mechanical hall and agricultural hall. Additional structures were floral hall, the Gothic fine arts hall, and the wire gallinarium, a "Chicken Palace", three stories high for displaying poultry.
In addition to the exposition halls, a racecourse, grandstand and jockey club were built. During the hay day of the racetrack, some of the finest racing horses in the country appeared.
Prior to 1859, visitors to the fair had to depend on horse and carriage for transportation. In 1858 a violent wind and rainstorm made the roads to the city a quagmire. Hacks who brought the visitors out for a pittance now demanded $20 to $30 for the return trip. More than 5,000 persons had to spend the night on the unlighted grounds, finding shelter as best they could. By 1859, horse-drawn streetcars were available for a fare of five cents.
In 1860, the grounds were made available to the public for picnics for a nominal fee.
The Prince of Wales was an attraction at the Fair in 1860 and was greeted by a crowd of 100,000.
In August of 1861, General John C. Fremont decided to found in St. Louis a camp of instruction for 20,000 men. A tract of land was selected of 150 acres, which was owned by Col. John O'Fallon, and was immediately west of the fairgrounds. Col. O'Fallon leased this ground to the government for $150 a year. The land was quickly graded, a drainage system provided, and barracks were erected. The installation was named "Benton Barracks."
In December 1862, the large amphitheater building on the fairgrounds was converted into one of the "largest, most thoroughly ventilated hospitals in the United States." accommodating 2,500 patients. Numerous other buildings of the association were taken over for officers quarters, medical dispensaries, kitchens, and other military purposes.
In 1876, a zoological garden was added consisting of a monkey house, bear pits, and carnivore house which were modeled after the finest European zoological buildings. Later, additions were an aviary, outdoor pens for herbivorous animals, a lake, and a grotto.
In 1893, the fairgrounds were enlarged to 143 acres. In 1902, the first automobile race in St. Louis was held on the grounds. The winner averaged 33 m.p.h.
The last official fair was held in 1902 after which it was abandoned while preparations were under way for the opening of the "World's Fair."
Another blow to the fair's revival was the abolition of horse racing in Missouri in 1905. After protracted political debate, the abandoned 132-acre fairgrounds were purchased for park use by the city for $700,000 in 1908. With favorable interest by the Park Commissioner and the skill of Landscape Architect George E. Kessler, the park was in readiness for its dedication on October 9, 1909. All of the former fair structures were removed except the bear pits of the old zoo and the amphitheater. In 1912, the amphitheater was removed and replaced by the city's first municipal swimming pool, then said to be the world's largest. This was replaced by a new pool in 1958 as part of the 1955 bond issue program, which also provided lighted ball diamonds and hard surface tennis courts. At the corner of Grand and Natural Bridge, the facade of the old bear pits still guards the Park's main entrance like a medieval castle and as a reminder of the glory days of the popular St. Louis Fair.
FANETTI PLAZA
Michigan & Schirmer
1.70 Acres
Date: 1979
FOREST PARK
Lindell and Kingshighway
Ordinance Date: 1874
1,370 Acres
Purchased - Deed
$849,058.61
LAKES:
Bowl
Hatcheries
Lake Louis
Murphy
Round
Post Dispatch - 19 acres of water
Grand Basin and tributaries - 11 acres of water
Jefferson Lake - 3 acres of water - stocked for fishing
Deer Lake - 2 acres of water
Jewel Box Ponds
River des Peres
STATUES:
Apostheosis of St. Louis
Isabell Baer Drinking Fountain
Edward Bates Statue
Frank Blair Statue
Colonial Daughter Fountain
Confederate Memorial
Joie DeVivre
Angel Fountain
Frankenthal Memorial Drinking Fountain
Nathan Frank Bandstand
Christopher Haglin Memorial Fountain
Friedrich Jahn Memorial
First Jewish-American Settlement Commemorative Monument
John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest Marker
Kiel Memorial Tree Marker
Jessie Tennile Maschmeyer Memorial (Bird Charmer)
Memorial to the Frontier Women of the French and
Spanish Colonies in Missouri
Musicians Memorial and Fountain
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Louis Award
General Franz Sigel Equestrian Statue
Spanish Cannon
Mark Twain Statue
George Phillip Vierheller Fountain & Statue - Zoo
FACILITIES:
Balloon Field
12 Comfort Stations
3 Decorative Fountains
12 Footbridges
Municipal Opera
Cabanne House
Triple A Golf Course
11 Baseball Fields
Bike Trail - Approximately 7 miles
Corkball Backstop
Field House
Fishing Dock
20 Greenhouses
Jewel Box
Mounted Police Stables
Science Center
Steinberg Skating Rink
18 Softball Fields (2 lighted)
Water Cascade
16 Soccer Fields (2 lighted)
Art Museum
Boathouse
2 Municipal Golf Courses
4 Handball Courts
1 Jefferson Memorial
Casting Dock
Casting Dock Clubhouse
Lindell Pavilion
2 Playgrounds
4 Racquetball Courts (lighted)
19 Tennis Courts (all lighted)
Richard Hudlin Courts - same as Barnes Hospital Courts
Nature Trail
World's Fair Pavilion
Zoo
FOUNTAIN PARK
Euclid and Fountain
Ordinance Date: 1889
1.50 Acres
Gift - Ordinance 15133
STATUE: A statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was unveiled in 1978.
1 Decorative Fountain
History:
When the Aubert Place subdivision was laid out by John Lay in 1857, a central oval shaped area was reserved for a park space. In 1889, it was donated by Lay to the city and was named Fountain Park, because of the fountain that was placed there was as a gift from the Merchants Exchange. It had been in the Exchange's trading hall for some years as a gift from John A. Scudder. Previously, it had graced Scudder's home near Grand Avenue and Olive Street. As an outdoor fountain, it proved to be a failure. It was constructed of flimsy materials causing the figures to be blown down during any ordinary storm. Also, the diameter of the iron ground basin was too small in comparison to the height of the fountain, causing the spray to be carried outside of the basin by the wind. During 1904, both the old house and the large fountain received two coats of paint to improve the appearance of the area. The fountain was renovated in 1964.
William Severson of Ladue was the sculptor for the renovation of the fountain and Karl Kraus was the contractor. The cost of this renovation was $4,660. The work was done as part of $15,400 renovation of the park. The work was paid for out of the 1955 Bond Issue funds.
The process employed included creation of molds of details that were missing by using those details that remained. Details were cast from the molds using epoxy reinforced by fiberglass cloth. The main body of the fountain was sand blasted and repainted with zinc epoxy to protect and preserve it. New plumbing was installed and the interior of the fountain was filled with concrete to add strength. Epoxy glass cloth reinforcement was applied to the existing bowls.
The original fountain material was cast iron that had become badly pitted by the time of the renovation. It was estimated that the fountain had been in service over 50 years when finally renovated. It was the opinion of the sculptor that the renovation work had left the fountain in better condition then when it was cast.
FOURTEENTH STREET MALL
14th-Warren to St. Louis
1.27 Acres
Dedicated 3/26/77
FOX PARK
Iowa and Victor
Ordinance Date: 1917
2.69 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 39200-40329
$85,000
1 Basketball Court
3 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Scoreboard
1 Lighted Softball Field
1 Spray Pool
2 Horseshoe pits
History:
Fox Park and playground began to be used for recreational purposes in 1917 under a permit from the Fox Brothers and was purchased for $85,000.00 in 1931.
FATHER FILIPIAC PARK
N. 9th and Biddle
4.30 Acres
Date: 1980
FRANCIS PARK
Donovan and Eichelberger
Ordinance Date: 1916
60.30 Acres
Gift - Deed
1 Roller Hockey Rink
2 Comfort Stations
2 Handball Courts
1 Lily Pond Fountain
1 Playground
2 Racquetball Courts
1 Soccer Field
2 Softball Field
8 Tennis Courts
History:
David Rowland Francis, who served as the Mayor of the City in 1895, made a gift of this park to the City of St. Louis in 1917. In addition to the distinction of having served as Mayor, Francis also served as the Governor of the state from 1889-1893. He was the Secretary of the Interior under President Grover Cleveland and was one of the first advocates of the World's Fair. Considered by many as a "business man in politics," Francis at the age of 33 was elected vice-president of the Merchants Exchange, and was the President of the Louisiana Exposition from 1889-1904. Francis was appointed the United States Ambassador to Russia in 1916 and served in Moscow during the Russian Revolution.
In 1904, the Park and its vicinity consisted of vacant rural land and was not developed until the 1930s, when St. Louis Hills was built up around it. Funds made available in 1935 enabled improvement of the park by W.P.A. workers. They built the lily pool, athletic fields, tennis courts, shelter house, walkways, picnic grounds and landscaping.
FRANZ PARK
Mitchell and Prather
Ordinance Date: 1915
4.67 Acres
Gift - Deed
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
2 Lighted Softball Fields
1 Soccer Field
2 Lighted Tennis Courts
History:
Deeded to the City as a gift by E. D. Franz
FREMONT PARK
(formerly Pontiac Central Park)
Lynch and Salena
2.31 Acres
Ordinance Date: 1963
Ordinance: 51964
1 Softball field
1 Playground
GAMBLE PARK
Gamble and Glasgow
3 Acres
Date: 1936
1 Softball field
History:
Originally the site of the old Gamble Reservoir, Gamble Park was acquired by the Park Department from the Water Department in 1874. It was opened as a park in 1875 at the expense of adjoining property owners. During the 1930s, a recreation center building was built with W.P.A. funds and the park is now used as a playground.
GARRISON-BRANTNER-WEBSTER PARK
Garrison, Brantner and Webster
Ordinance Date: 1963
3.36 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 51640
$77,545.26
1 Horseshoe Pit
1 Playground
1 Pavilion
GATEWAY MALL (PHASE ONE)
10th and Market
1.14 Acres
Date Purchased: 1970
Purchased Ordinance 55554
GWEN B. GILES PARK
Hodiamont and Catalpa
Ordinance Date: 1959
3.10 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 49347
$185,394
1 Comfort Station
1 Horseshoe Pit
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Spray pool
1 Basketball Court
History:
This park named in March 22, 1986 in honor of Gwen B. Giles, the first black person and first woman to serve as city assessor. In 1977, she was the first black woman elected to the state Senate. She resigned her Senate seat representing the 4th District in 1981 when Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl Jr. appointed her Assessor.
GRAND CENTER PARK
Grand and Washington
0.51 Acres
GRAVOIS PARK
Louisiana and Miami
Ordinance Date: 1812
8.20 Acres
City Commons
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Volleyball Court
History:
One of the original Commons grants of 1812, it is presently bounded by Louisiana and Compton Avenues and on its north and south sides by Potomac and Miami Streets. However, in its early days, this was a rather isolated location and the park had few visitors. With the build-up of neighborhoods in its vicinity by the 1870s, Gravois Park was improved with a pavilion and landscaping in 1878. The city replaced the existing playground and added all new equipment in December 1994.
W.C. HANDY PARK
Euclid and Ashland
Ordinance Date: 1941
11.96 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 43944
$3,002.87
4 Softball fields
1 Basketball court
4 Horseshoe pits
1 Playground
History:
Dedicated W. C. Handy Park on 6June 22, 1960 in honor of William Christopher Handy (1873-1958), the world renowned composer of the "St. Louis Blues" who was born in Florence, Alabama.
DAVID HICKEY PARK
8700 North Broadway
Ordinance Date: 1947
16.26 Acres
Ordinance 44050, 44051, 44052, 44054
$55,000
STATUE: David Hickey Memorial
1 Lighted Baseball Field
1 Basketball Court
1 Comfort Station
4 Corkball Backstops
4 Horseshoe Pits
1 Multi-Purpose Court
1 Playground
3 Soccer Fields (1 lighted)
3 Softball Fields
2 Tetherball Courts
History:
Dedicated April 10, 1941 and named in honor of David Hickey, the first St. Louisian who gave his life for his country in World War I in the Battle of the Toul Sector, February 24, 1918. City of St. Louis authorized to accept a deed from the trustees of the estate of Mrs. Bertha Schaefer - Approved December 21, 1967.
HYDE PARK
Blair and Salisbury
Ordinance Date: 1854
Purchased - Deed
11.84 Acres
$36,250
Lake - 1 Acre of Water
STATUE: Hyde Park Sculpture
1 Comfort Station/Recreation Building
1 Playground
1 Spray Pool
2 Horseshoe pits
1 Gazebo
History:
What is now the site of Hyde Park was originally part of a land grant to Gabriel Cerre, which was purchased by Dr. Bernard G. Farrar in 1842. Dr. Farrar, who was the first American doctor in St. Louis, invested in real estate after making his fortune in medicine and pharmaceuticals. He became a victim of the cholera epidemic in 1849 and his widow subdivided the tract in 1850. The land, along with the family mansion, was later purchased from Mrs. Ann C. T. Farrar in 1854 for $36,250. The park grounds were leased to vegetable gardeners and thereafter as a beer garden with the revenue derived being expended for its improvement. Near the center of the park stood the Farrar mansion, which served as a bar and restaurant with hotel rooms for guests on the upper floors.
During the Civil War, political meetings and festive observances were held in this park. The meeting on July 4, 1863 ended so tragically that the leasing was discontinued and the sale of beer forever banned here. Between 9,000 and 10,000 people along with 75 to 100 convalescent soldiers from the nearby hospital at Benton Barracks (Fairgrounds Park), gathered for this Independence Day celebration and balloon ascension. The animosity of those Union soldiers towards southern sympathizers mounted as the day grew, particularly against those who wore a colored ribbon on their hats. The old mansion was badly damaged, the partially inflated balloon was torn to shreds and the bar and restaurant attacked. A request for protection was made to Colonel Almstedt's regiment, quartered just outside the western fence of the Park. A company of these soldiers fired on the milling crowd. The victims, all innocent bystanders, included two killed and six or seven wounded.
In 1870, the old Farrar mansion was razed and the park deteriorated until 1874 when improvements were begun. By 1876, a pond and fountain had been installed along with meandering walks and landscaping. It is believed that the park took its name from the famous Hyde Park in London. A fence was erected on the Bremen Avenue side of the park to keep out stray cattle from herds being driven along the street to the riverfront stockyards.
Construction of a bandstand was completed in 1896 at which time the park also contained floral display greenhouses. A fire station has occupied the corner of Hyde Park at Blair Avenue and Salisbury Street for many years. Construction of its perimeter streets reduced the area of the Park from its original 14.50 acres to the present 11.84 acres.
INTERCO PLAZA
Tucker and Dr. Martin Luther King
0.71 Acres
1 Fountain
IVORY PERRY PARK
Belt and Cabanne
Ordinance Date: 1961
10.10 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 50225
$378,267
1 Basketball Court
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
History:
This land was the site of the old Visitation Academy and Convent and was purchased in 1961.
JACKSON PLACE
11th and North Market
Ordinance Date: 1816
Gift - Deed
1.62 Acres
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Soccer field
History:
Jackson Place at Eleventh and North Market Streets was a "circular piece of ground" set aside for park use in Chambers, Christy and Wrights' plat for the subdivisions of North St. Louis in 1816. After its site was included with the new St. Louis City Limits of 1841, it was accepted by the City as a gift from the original owners. It comprises 1.62 acres and was established and opened as a public park in 1842. Jackson Place was dedicated in 1843, but was not extensively improved until 1855. Further development took place there in the early years of the twentieth century.
KAUFMANN PARK
Tucker, 13th, Market, Chestnut
1 Acre
KENRICK GARDEN TRIANGLE PARK
Lindell and Vandeventer
0.72 Acres
2 Fountains
History:
Acquired by condemnation in 1896, this park area was a triangular piece of land that contained about 3/4 of an acre.
KIENER PLAZA
6th, Broadway, Market, Chestnut
Ordinance Date: 1962
Ordinance Nos: 52896 (Monument); 52624 (Land)
1.90 Acres
Purchased
$2,000,000
1 Fountain
STATUE: Brandies, Louis Dembitz Memorial (The Runner)
History:
Named in honor of Harry J. Kiener who was born in St. Louis on February 27, 1881. He was an amateur boxer, wrestler and swimmer, but he is most noted for his position on the U.S. track team at the Olympics held in St. Louis in 1904 during the World's Fair. Kiener died in 1960 at the age of 80.
A popular downtown open space, the park's centerpiece is a pool and fountain containing a statue known as "The Runner" by sculptor William Zorach. It is part of the Gateway Mall.
KINGSBURY SQUARE PARK
Kingsbury and Westminster
0.60 Acres
Date: 1980
1 Gazebo
LACLEDE PARK
Iowa and Gasconade
Ordinance Date: 1812
3.17 Acres
City Commons
History:
This tract of land that was set aside for park use in the Commons in 1812, was again reserved for park purposes in a subdivision laid out in 1853.
LAFAYETTE PARK
Missouri and Lafayette
Ordinance Date: 1838
29.95 Acres
City Commons - Ordinance 2741
Lake - 1 Acre of Water
STATUES:
Thomas Hart Benton Statue
Revolutionary War Cannons
George Washington Statue
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Residence (Police Station)
1 Softball Field
1 Soccer Field
1 Football field
1 Volleyball court
History:
Lafayette Park is one of St. Louis' oldest parks. In 1836, an ordinance preserved the lands (29.95 acres) for public use as a park but it was 15 years before the park became a reality. The land was acquired as a result of the foresight of Mayor John F. Darby and Colonel Thornton Grimsley who realized the need for a place of recreation in the area. Its first use was for the drilling of Grimsley's "Home Guard" and the site came to be popularly called the "Parade Ground," but to cynical citizens it was known as "Grimsley's Folly." No money was appropriated for the improvements, since the ordinance was not to take effect until private citizens had contributed $5,000 to enclose and plant the square. More than $8,000 was soon collected and early in 1852 the board set seriously to work. Their first objective was to construct "a rough paling fence" to enclose the park and keep out stray cattle, hogs and runaway horses, so that trees and shrubs could be planted.
In 1857, the park was leased to a Superintendent Edward C. Krausnick, who built a cottage and was responsible for maintenance and surveillance. Most of the early improvements in the park were made through the efforts of nearby property owners; however, the city appropriated $2,000 in 1857, followed by a like amount the next year. Public use of the park was expanded in 1859, beginning in January with a concert in the park's new Winter Garden by the orchestra of Wood's Theater.
Many large, beautiful homes were built around the park and it began to rival Lucas Place as a civic showplace before the Civil War. The war caused a partial cessation in the park's improvement although more than $14,000 was spent for that purpose in 1863. Among the most important innovations of the year 1864 was the decision to employ a professional superintendent, M. G. Kern at a salary set at $1,000 a year. Comfort stations did not appear until 1865 and then bore the name of "water closets". During 1867, summer concerts began. A bandstand was built and a series of weekly programs was presented during June. On May 27, 1868, 40,000 persons witnessed the unveiling of Harriet Hosmer's statue of Thomas H. Benton in the park. In 1869, a bronze copy of Houdon's statue of George Washington was dedicated and the decorative fence around the park was installed from plans by Francis Tunica, winner of a competition for its design. Much of the work was done through bond issues authorized by action of the Legislature during the latter part of the 1860s. A police station was built in the southeast corner of the park about 1870.
The park was destroyed by a tornado that swept over that portion of the city on May 27, 1896. Boats were blown out of the water, some landing 200 feet from the lake. Restoration started almost immediately.
While the park was considerably restored by 1904, it did not retain its former glory. As the city grew outward, some neighborhood residents moved elsewhere and newer, larger parks attracted public attention. It reached a low point during World War II, when vigorous efforts were required to keep its ornamental fence out of the scrap metal drive. Another sad event was the demolition of its post-tornado bandstand in 1951. Since the mid-1960s, the park has become the focal point for an extensive program which has resulted in the restoration and preservation of many of the fine old homes abutting the park and in its vicinity.
The cannons, which are a unique feature of the park, are probably the most interesting relics found in any city west of the Mississippi. The guns were part of a British warship that bombarded Ft. Moultire in Charleston Harbor in June, 1776 during the Revolutionary War. The guns were placed in the park by the Missouri Commendry of the American Legion. It is interesting to note that the Park was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), a French statesman who served as a volunteer under General George Washington in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
LEISURE PARK
12th and Park
Ordinance Date: 1958
7.31 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 49831, 50507
$1,420,948.79
1 Basketball Court
1 Playground
1 Recreation Center
1 Softball Field
2 Horseshoe pits
LINDENWOOD PARK
Jamieson and Pernod
Ordinance Date: 1947
14.08 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 44110, 45002
$81,009.50
1 Baseball Field
1 Basketball Court
1 Comfort Station/Recreation Building
2 Corkball Backstops
4 Horseshoe Pits
1 Playground
1 Soccer Field
1 Soccer Kickboard
3 Softball Fields
2 Tennis Courts
2 Shuffleboard Courts
1 Spray pool
Park Dedication June 25, 1960.
LUCAS GARDEN PARK
13th and Locust
Ordinance Date: 1857
1.09 Acres
Gift - Ordinance 20669, 26330
1 Fountain
2 Playgrounds
STATUES:
Lucas Gardens
Margaret R. Kincaid Drinking Fountain
History:
"Desirous of contributing to the ornament and health of the City of St. Louis and at the same time to establish a permanent monument to the memory of his ancestor (father) the late Honorable John B. C. Lucas, in the shape of a public square bearing his name," reads the deed signed by James H. and Marie E. Lucas on March 24, 1857, giving the block of land immediately north of the St. Louis Public Library to St. Louisians. The deed states further that, "This conveyance is however made with the express condition, to wit: that said public square shall forever be maintained as a public promenade for the inhabitants of the City of St. Louis."
Lucas Garden was the site of a brick house built by Judge Lucas in 1820 facing the present St. Charles Street or King's Road, as it was then called. There is still a flowing spring in the Public Library basement that was the water supply for the Judge's home.
On the same day in 1857, that he signed the deed on Lucas Garden, James H. Lucas sold the block where the Public Library now stands to the city for the sum of $95,000. In 1859, a board of improvement for the park was created and its development was begun. Its layout caused Locust Street to be closed at 13th and the park was given an asymmetrical plan with a bandstand near the foot of Lucas Place. Sale of the buildings at the southwest corner of the park was authorized by Ordinance in 1872. From the time of the first appropriation in 1858 to 1877, $41,465 was spent on it. The entire 6.25 acres was named Missouri Park and provided popular downtown breathing space until the erection of the St. Louis Exposition and Music Hall in 1883. Licensed to a private corporation for a period of 50 years, the ground was restored to use as a park in 1907 and designs for the Italian Renaissance inspired library building were drawn up by the famous architect Cass Gilbert. The library was completed in 1912. Locust Street was reopened behind the Library from 13th to 14th Streets and the present sunken garden with its fountain was developed.
Sculptress Nancy Coonsman Hahn's stone benches dot the landscape.
PHILLIP LUCIER PARK
Westminster and Hamilton
2.97 Acres
Softball fields
1 Playground
LYON PARK
South Broadway and Arsenal
Ordinance Date: 1868
10.92 Acres
Gift - Deed
STATUES:
General Nathan Lyon Monument
General Nathan Lyon Statue
1 Comfort Station
2 Lighted Softball Fields
History:
In 1868, the city sought to acquire the present site of Lyon Park, which was the western portion of the grounds of the St. Louis Arsenal. An Act of Congress on March 3, 1869 granted that section of the grounds between Fourth Street and Carondelet Avenue to the city as a public park. The grant was made on the condition that the city build a monument to General Nathaniel Lyon within three years. The grounds were transferred to the City in September, 1871. A movement to erect an equestrian statue of Lyon, who was killed in the Civil War battle of Wilson's Creek in 1861, was started by survivors of the War in 1865 and $15,000 was raised by public subscription and a grant from the County Court in 1868. Three years later, the idea of a statue was abandoned in favor of a granite obelisk. This 28-foot shaft of Missouri granite was dedicated on September 13, 1874. It is decorated with a bronze medallion of a relief portrait of Lyon on its west side and on the east side is a similar medallion containing a classic figure symbolizing war and peace.
In the late 1930's, a stone equestrian statue of General Lyon was relocated in the park from its former site at Grand and West Pine Boulevards.
MARQUETTE PARK
Osage and Minnesota
Ordinance Date: 1915
16.96 Acres
Ordinance 32798
1 Fieldhouse
1 Playground
1 Recreation Center
1 Outdoor Swimming Pool
1 Wading pool
3 Softball Fields
1 Soccer field
3 Tennis Courts
1 Volleyball court (lighted)
History:
The Park is named in honor of Pierre Marquette. The original swimming pool was constructed approximately 1904 with a sand and gravel bottom. Around 1930 the bottom was covered with asphalt. This land was originally acquired from the Board of Children's Guardians
MAY AMPHITHEATER
6th, Market, 7th, Chestnut
1.90 Acres
Dedicated: 1982
Donated by the May Department Stores
1 Fountain
This popular site for downtown activities has seating space and a stage for performances. It is used for everything from concert at lunchtime to rallies for sports events.
MCDONALD PARK
Utah and Bent
Ordinance Date: 1928
3.00 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 36829
$12,650
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Soccer Kickboard
1 Softball Field
1 Spray pool
MEMORIAL PLAZA
Tucker to 18th, Chestnut to Pine
Ordinance Date: 1932 and 1956
11.33 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 34823, 39498
$6,767,426.52
STATUES:
American Legion Founding Commerative Monument
American Legion World War II Drinking Fountain
Oak Tree Dedication Plaque
Soldier's Memorial Equestrian Figures
World War II Memorial
History:
This tree covered park area links Memorial Plaza opposite Kiel Auditorium to Aloe Plaza opposite Union Station.
The entire plaza development project was made possible by a possible $1,500,000 Bond Issue approved by voters in 1953.
The cost of the Memorial Plaza was for purchasing and condemnation and development, and was $3,500,000. The Soldier's Memorial Building construction cost approximately $1,000,000. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the plaza and building in 1936. The statues, dedicated in 1940, in the Milles Fountain cost $60,000.
MESTRES PARK
Tucker and Chouteau
Ordinance Date: 1937
Donated Ord. 41084, 41093
2.61 Acres
History:
In 1937, Joseph J. Mestres Park bounded by 11th, Hickory, Tucker and Chouteau, an area of 1.09 acres, was established in a portion of property condemned for the widening of Tucker.
MINNESOTA & HILL PARK
Hill St. & Minnesota
0.50 Acres
Date: 1924
Purchase ordinance: 33329
1 Softball field
1 Soccer field
MINNIEWOOD PARK
Broadway and Meramec
Ordinance Date: 1925
4.50 Acres
Gift - Deed
1 Basketball Court
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
2 Softball Fields
1 Volleyball Court
MOUNT PLEASANT PARK
Michigan and Dakota
Ordinance Date: 1812
3.17 Acres
City Commons - Ord. 42419
1 Basketball Court
1 Hockey Court
1 Playground
History:
This land from the old Commons was originally known as old Carondelet Park. Its land was then thought to be unadaptable for park use and was kept in a virgin state for many years. In 1894, it was renamed as Dakota Park and acquired some improvement. In 1942, the name was changed to Mount Pleasant Park.
MURPHY PARK
Cass and Hogan
Ordinance Date: 1962
10.10 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 50034
$715,625.00
1 Basketball/Volleyball Court
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
NORTH RIVERFRONT PARK
Riverview and Scranton
112.00 Acres
Date: 1980
Acquired by the Water Division
1 Bicycling path
1 lake--fishing
O'FALLON PARK
Florissant and Harris
Ordinance Date: 1908
126.63 Acres
Purchased Donation - Deed
$259,065.33
LAKE: 5 Acres of Water - Stocked for fishing
1 Boathouse
4 Comfort Stations
1 Maintenance Building
3 Picnic Shelters
3 Barbecues
1 Playground
1 Residence
2 Softball Fields
6 Tennis Courts
1 Basketball court - lighted
1 Spray pool
History:
In the compromise that added the establishment of parks in north and south St. Louis as conditions for the approval of the Forest Park plan, O'Fallon Park was the north side entrant. It has been a part of a vast 600-acre land holding of Colonel John O'Fallon. Colonel O'Fallon came to St. Louis after being severely wounded at the Battle of Tippecanoe in the War of 1812, and became assistant to his uncle, William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, then Indian Agent here. He made money rapidly buying and selling supplies to the Army. Giving it away liberally, he became noted as a great philanthropist.
He retained the 160-acre area of the present O'Fallon Park as his estate and subdivided and sold the rest of his tract, which reached down to the Mississippi River. Atop the highest hill in his estate, O'Fallon built a huge four-story mansion of about 50 rooms with a tall columned front portico. This he named Athlone, after the Irish birthplace of his father. It is said that many Indian artifacts were unearthed during the excavation for the mansion. Ten years after O'Fallon's death in 1865, his heirs sold the estate to the city. In 1875, the mansion was damaged by fire and remained in a ruinous condition until 1893, when it was finally razed.
Until the late 1880's, O'Fallon Park remained in a rather primitive state, but was used principally as driving park and picnic grounds. During the 1890s, a music stand and a park shelter with an
observation tower was constructed and in 1896 the lake was completed. In 1904, an island was placed in the lake and retaining walls were erected around its perimeter. Boating became popular after the erection of the boathouse in 1908.
Electric lighting came to the park in 1914 and three years later its area was enlarged by the addition of an 8 1/2-acre tract donated by the Catholic Archdiocese. This was a former cemetery site that was intended to become a bird sanctuary, but eventually became a public dump. Overall area of O'Fallon Park was reduced to about 127 acres by the acquisition of right-of-way for Interstate Highway 70 in 1954.
PARKLAND PARK
Hamilton and Maple
Ordinance Date: 1968
1.68 Acres
Purchased - Land Clearance
$1
1 Playground
PENROSE PARK
Kingshighway and Penrose
Ordinance Date: 1910
51.22 Acres
Purchased Ord. 24221, 25440, 25546
$165,127
1 Circular Bike Track
1 Maintenance Building
1 Playground
3 Softball Fields (2 lighted)
2 Soccer Fields (1 lighted)
4 Tennis courts
1 Handball court
The bicycle track in Penrose Park, called the "Penrose Park Bowl," was the scene of the 1962 National Cycling Championships.
The story of how the new bicycle track came about began in 1934 when the W.P.A. built a 1/4-mile track in Forest Park at Oakland and Kingshighway. This track was never accepted by the racing public as a first- class racing track. It was used mostly for weekly training sessions, but also used for at least four major meets during the past 25 years. A serious problem occurred in 1960 when it was determined that the Missouri Highway Department would take the bicycle track in the course of widening the Daniel Boone Express Highway (Highway 40).
A suitable location for a new track in Forest Park could not be found, and even if one had been found, the city did not have the necessary funds to build a new track.
The St. Louis Cycling Club met with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry several times during 1960-61, and it was finally decided in October, 1961 to give the St. Louis Cycling Club a new track site in Penrose Park immediately south of the Mark Twain Expressway, now I-70, and east of Kingshighway. Penrose Park is a 51-acre park located at North Kingshighway and Penrose and extends north to I-70. The park is divided into 5 areas because of the railroad tracks and Kingshighway Boulevard.
The Cycling Club paid for the construction of the new track and waived all claims for reimbursement of these costs. The city in turn agreed to assure responsibility for the maintenance and supervision of the track. The St. Louis Cycling Club immediately undertook the task of building a 1/5-mile track, which has since been acclaimed the best in the United States.
The City of St. Louis added water lines, a drainage system, sewers and plumbing, drinking fountains, landscaping, and painting lines on the track. In addition, the city bore part of the cost of the grading and paving for the new track.
POELKER PARK
12th, 13th, Market and Chestnut
1 Acre
Dedicated: 1986
Ordinance: 34823, 59902
Sculpture: Firefighter carrying a child. Honors St. Louis firefighters, past and present.
The park is named for John Poelker, who served as Mayor of St. Louis from 1974 to 1978.
PONTIAC SQUARE PARK
Ninth and Ann
Ordinance Date: 1908
1.51 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 23299, 23961, 24182
$94,956.32
1 Playground (all new equipment was added in December 1994.)
1 Softball Field
1 Spray Pool
PORTER PARK
DeBaliviere and Delmar
82.12 Acres
Date: 1975
Donated by LCRA
2 Playgrounds
RIVER DES PERES PARK
River des Peres, Lansdowne to Morganford
Ordinance Date: 1926
145.00 Acres
Donated Ordinance 34843
1 Bike Trail - 3 miles
1 Comfort Station
1 Maintenance Building
2 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Baseball field
2 Soccer fields
History:
This was the largest park acquired during the 1920s for which condemnation proceedings were authorized in 1926 and concluded in 1934. This is an elongated tract of 145 acres that extends along the bank of the River des Peres from Weber Road to Lansdowne. Much of its improvement was accomplished with W.P.A. funds in the late 1930s. About 1956, a 10.76-acre addition to the park was developed.
RIVER DES PERES EXTENSION
Holly Hills and Germania
10.76 Acres
Date: 1954
Ordinance 46958
1 Field Hockey Court
1 Softball Field
History:
This small addition was made to the Park system between 1926 and 1932.
RUMBOLD PARK
Spring and North Market
Ordinance Date: 1945
3.00 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 43283
$10,000.00
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Volleyball/Basketball Court
1 Comfort station
History:
Named in honor of Charlotte Rumbold, who was superintendent of public playgrounds and recreation in the Park Department from 1906 to 1915. She was active in developing municipal playgrounds, athletic and recreation facilities. During her administration 17 playgrounds were built.
ERNEST J. RUSSELL PARK
Cabanne and Russell
1.10 Acres
Date: 1950
Donated Ordinance 45283, 45967
1 Playground
1 Shelter
1 Spray pool
History:
This track of land was donated to the City of St. Louis by the late St. Louis Architect, Ernest J. Russell and the park and playground sites were developed under the 1944 bond issue. This site formally was the residence of Russell and his family. Dedication ceremonies took place on September 15, 1960.
SERRA SCULPTURE PARK
11th and Market
1.14 Acres
Dedicated: 1981
Donated by Land Clearance for Redevelopment
Sculpture: Twain by Richard Serra
SHERMAN PARK
Kingshighway and Easton
Ordinance Date: 1917
22.04 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 29684, 29923
$196,650
2 Baseball Fields
1
1 Basketball Court
2 Comfort Stations
1 Football Field
1 Multi-Purpose Court
2 Maintenance Buildings
2 Playgrounds
2 Tennis Courts
1 Track - 1/4 mile
History:
The site of Sherman Park was originally in the Cote Brilliante suburb, which was platted in 1853. Later, it became the campus of Christian Brothers College until that school's building was destroyed by fire in 1916. The next year the city bought the 22.04-acre tract to use as a park. Remaining portions of the school structure were later converted into a community center. In 1959, the new David P. Wohl Community and Recreation Center was completed within the park at 1515 North Kingshighway.
SISTER MARIE CHARLES PARK
Elwood - East of Broadway
3 Acres
Date: 1982
Purchased Ordinance: 22937 and 23854
SOULARD PLAYGROUND
7th and Soulard
Ordinance Date: 1908
1.94 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 23294, 23297, 23959, 24164
$174,580
Bandstand/Comfort Station
1 Decorative Plaza
2 Playgrounds
1 Softball Field
SOUTH ST. LOUIS SQUARE PARK
South Broadway and Courtois
Ordinance Date: 1882
1.66 Acres
Gift Ordinance 23827
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
History:
This land is a part of the original Spanish land grant and was reserved for park purposes forever when the town of Carondelet was laid out in 1832. The 1.66-acre square was a gift from the City of Carondelet to the City of St. Louis in 1882. By 1884, it had been improved as a park at a cost of $2,549.00. One of Carondelet's three town markets was built in a corner of the square and was later leased by St. Louis for use as a private market.
ST. LOUIS PLACE PARK
21st & St. Louis
Ordinance Date: 1850
14.13 Acres
Gift - John E. Miller
1 Basketball Court
1 Comfort Station
1 Horseshoe Pit
1 Playgrounds
2 Softball Fields
1 Spray Fountain
1 Soccer Field
History:
The St. Louis Place Park located on a long, narrow tract of land north of the site of the old reservoir was donated to the city in 1850 by Governor John Miller, John O'Fallon, Louis LaBeaume and others. At that time, it was 2,000 feet long and covered about eleven acres. The park was enclosed and improved in 1865 and five years later, extensive improvement of its north end was made. A City Ordinance in November, 1887 extended St. Louis Place Park southwardly through the old reservoir property to Maiden Lane leaving North Market open. This increased the park area, extending northward to Hebert Street, to 14.13 acres. A statue of Friedrich von Schiller was removed from the park and later re-erected in Memorial Plaza in 1975.
ST. MARCUS COMMEMORATIVE PARK
Gravois and Loughborough
25.50 Acres
Date: 1977
STRODTMAN PARK
13th and Palm
Ordinance Date: 1924
1.73 Acres
Gift of George Strodtman - Deed
1 Basketball/Volleyball Court
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
SUBLETTE PARK
Sublette and Arsenal
Ordinance Date: 1915
13.52 Acres
Donated Ordinance 28156, 33807
1 Baseball Field
1 Maintenance Building
1 Playground
1 Soccer Field
2 Softball Fields
1 Spray Pool
4 Lighted Tennis Courts
1 Tetherball Court
1 Volleyball Court
History:
Sublette Park, which had been the site of the old female hospital since the 1870s, was acquired from the Hospital Division in 1915. The 13.52 acre triangular Park was originally named Manchester Park and received its present name in 1925.
TAMBO PARK
Rutger and Ohio
1 Acre
Date: 1985
1 Playground
1 Basketball court
TANDY PARK
Kennerly and Pendleton
Ordinance Date: 1918
5.60 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 29037, 30410
$102,380.80
1 Basketball Court
1 Playground
1 Recreation Center
1 Roller Skating Rink
2 Softball Fields
4 Tennis Courts
History:
A Community Center building was erected at its eastern end in 1938. These facilities are named in honor of Captain Charlton H. Tandy who was a Civil War military figure and a pioneer in the black education effort in Missouri.
ROBERT TERRY PARK
Compton and Eads
Ordinance Date: 1945
4 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 43282
$40,000
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
History:
This tract of land was formerly the homestead ground of Captain James Buchanan Eads. This park was named in honor of Dr. Robert James Terry, a man well known nationally and locally for his contributions to medical literature. He was also one of the founders of the association that became the St. Louis Audubon Society. When he was 84 years old, he contributed a series of articles of the Bulletin of the Missouri Historical Society entitled "Memories of a Long Life" and he begins with his early childhood on Washington Avenue (January, 1955). Then Dr. Terry continues with his boyhood on Compton Hill in his grandfather's homes on Pennsylvania and Eads (April, 1955 and January, 1956). No other St. Louisian has given as much in highlighting youthful memories of the Compton-Eads area; and for this reason, as well as for his interest in birds and conservation, this neighborhood Park on Eads and Compton was named in his honor.
TIFFANY PARK
Spring and Blaine
1.10 Acres
Date: 1980
1 Comfort station
ROSALIE TILLES PARK
Hampton and Fyler
Ordinance Date: 1957
29.00 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 48569
$388,000
1 Basketball/Volleyball Court
1 Baseball Field
2 Comfort Stations
2 Lighted Racquetball Courts
1 Playground
1 Soccer Kick Board
3 Soccer Fields
3 Softball Fields
4 Lighted Tennis Courts
2 Tetherball Courts
History:
Today there are two Tilles Parks, one located on Litzinger and Lay Roads in the county, and the other on Hampton and Fyler Avenues in the City of St. Louis. How did we come to have two Tilles Parks? Well, the story goes back to the life of Andrew Tilles who died in 1952 at the age of 87 years. Andrew Tilles was born in St. Louis. He moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and acquired the nickname of "Cap", because as a youth, he operated a ferry across a stream.
"Cap" Tilles returned to St. Louis in 1886. He went into business with Sam Adler and Charles Cella. The business became known as Adler, Cella and Tilles. At one time these three gentlemen owned Churchill Downs and the Fairgrounds Race Track.
In 1926, "Cap" Tilles set up a foundation, a non-sectarian million dollar charitable foundation in memory of his mother, for the education of poor children in St. Louis. In 1955, scholarships were extended to needy university students to attend the three universities - Washington University, St. Louis University, and Missouri University.
In 1932, Tilles donated a 68-acre parcel of land located in the county at Lay and Litzinger Roads to the City of St. Louis. The park was named in honor of his mother, Rosalie Tilles. (There is another Tilles Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas, named in honor of his grandfather, Louis Tilles.)
The county park was developed in 1937 by City and W.P.A. funds and was maintained by the city for 18 years. A study was then made and found that over 80% of the people who used the park lived in the county. Another study showed that the city needed more open park space for its citizens. So, in March of 1955, the Mayor and the Comptroller were authorized to sell the Rosalie Tilles Park in the county. The proceeds from the sale of this county park were used in purchasing 29 acres for the present Rosalie Tilles Park at Hampton and Fyler.
This Park was extensively developed from the 1955 Bond Issue.
MILTON TURNER PLAYGROUND
Sarah and West Belle
Ordinance Date: 1937
1.40 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 41032, 41033, 41559
$64,050
1 Comfort Station
1 Multi-Purpose Court
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Volleyball Court
VIVIAN AND ASTRA PARK
Vivian and Astra
1.10 Acres
WALNUT PARK
Lillian and Thrush
2.34 Acres
Date: 1974
Ordinance: 57309
1 Basketball Court
1 Multi-Purpose Court
1 Playground
WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
12th, 14th, Market, Clark
Ordinance Date: 1840
Purchased Ordinance 1752 - Deed
13.45 Acres
$1,021,894.98
History:
Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.
During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.
The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant.
WILLMORE PARK
Hampton and Jamieson
Ordinance Date: 1947
Gift Ordinance 44047, 44048, 44055, 44093
105.61 Acres
$52,000
FISHING:
Lake #1 - 5 Acres of Water - Stocked
Lake #2 - 3 Acres of Water - Stocked
2 Baseball Fields
1 Bike Trail
3 Comfort Stations
4 Corkball Backstops
1 Maintenance Building
2 Playgrounds
5 Picnic Shelters
2 Soccer Fields (1 lighted)
4 Softball Fields (2 lighted)
4 Lighted Tennis Courts
History:
The last major park to be developed in the City of St. Louis, Willmore Park was created in 1947. Cyrus Crane Willmore, prominent developer (1889-1949), donated 70 of the park's 105 acres. In 1946, Willmore was known for building on high ground, thus, many of his developments featured the word "Hills" in the name. Funds from the 1955 Bond Issue developed the park as it is today. Unlike other St. Louis Parks, roads are located along the periphery, thereby providing large areas of open land. Designed by Landscape Architect Stuart M. Mertz in association with Layton, Layton, and Rodes, the park is an excellent example of intelligent land planning.
WINDSOR PARK
Blair and Penrose
Ordinance Date: 1947
3.33 Acres
Purchased Ordinance 44058
$27,000
1 Basketball/Volleyball Court
1 Comfort Station
2 Horseshoe Pits
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
1 Spray Pool
1 Tennis Court
YEATMAN SQUARE PARK
Leffingwell and North Market
Ordinance Date: 1906
3.46 Acres
Purchased - Deed
$40,000
1 Basketball Court
1 Comfort Station
1 Playground
1 Softball Field
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