Forest Park River Returns

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded the City's Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry a Landmarks Parks Program grant for $1.2 million. This is the fifth grant the Parks Department has received from the state to be used to connect the waterways in Forest Park.

The funds from the Landmarks Parks grant will be used to continue work on connecting the waterways in the park, specifically connecting the lakes at the Fish Hatchery to Pagoda Circle.

River Des Peres once was a free-flowing stream that ran through Forest park. But in 1930, it was encased in huge underground concrete pipes to rid the park of what had become an "inexcusable nuisance"...an open, smelly sewer that flooded the park and surrounding neighborhoods.

The lakes, ponds and lagoons that make up the water attractions in the park today are isolated, stagnant bodies of water that rely on city water to be filled. And, the lack of a watershed and natural drainage create ponds during heavy rains.

One of the goals of the Master Plan is to return a natural stream to the park. The return of the river and related improvements in the "Heart of the Park" project were started three years ago.

Construction will connect existing lakes and lagoons from Jefferson Lake in the southeast corner of the park all the way to the Cascades in the western end in a plan that simulates the natural layout of the former river system.

Planned improvements include:

• Rebuild and reconfigure lakes and lagoons, free-flowing river- like water system.

• Design river and streams with sweeping curves and bends to accentuate their visual impact.

• Use cascades, basins and pools to provide dramatic water attractions.

• Expand public boating and fishing.

• Improve drainage and storm runoff.

• Reduce flooding and erosion.

• Revive and protect wildlife habitats.

• Improve water quality

• Construct a water system that requires little maintenance.