St. Louis, Mo., April 3, 2014… This April marks one year since the voters of St. Louis City and St. Louis County approved Proposition P, the Safe and Accessible Arch and Public Parks Initiative. As stewards of a large portion of the funds generated from this ballot measure, the Great Rivers Greenway District is pleased to provide an update on the progress made over the last 12 months on several Prop P-funded projects that are already making the St. Louis region a better place to live.
CityArchRiver 2015 Project
Construction has begun on the improvements that will make the Gateway Arch grounds and museum safer and more accessible for everyone.
The Missouri Department of Transportation’s roadway improvements associated with CityArchRiver are progressing rapidly. A new Walnut Street Bridge opened last month, and construction on the Park Over the Highway is now underway. Work continues on the southern half of the Central Riverfront. While not funded by Proposition P dollars, these components are a significant part of the overall improvements to the Arch Grounds, and the progress made-to-date is paving the way for the next phase of construction and improvements.
As the transportation and Riverfront work continues, the District is working closely with all of the CityArchRiver 2015 partners to prepare for bidding the first two projects designated to receive Prop P funds—the extensive improvements to the landscapes on the north and south sides of the Arch.
“The National Park Service expects to bid the South Park project at the end of April, and the North Park project is scheduled to bid approximately one month later,” says Susan Trautman, Executive Director of the Great Rivers Greenway District.
Later this year, according to Trautman, two more projects funded by Proposition P—North Gateway Park and Luther Ely Smith Park—will be finalized and ready to bid. Bidding on the reconstruction and renovation of the Museum and Visitors center—a project funded by private dollars—is also slated to begin later this year.
“Our primary goals for the construction of these projects are to ensure not only a great visitor experience but the highest quality finished product that will serve the people of our region and the many visitors to St. Louis for decades to come.”
Expanding the River Ring
The successful passage of Proposition P has also provided funding to accelerate the expansion and long-term preservation of the River Ring—an interconnected system of trails and greenways that will encircle the St. Louis region. When completed, the River Ring will connect our communities while giving area residents new off-road transportation options as well as countless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Thanks to area voters, Prop P funds have already been designated for a number of greenways, trails, and on-road bike route expansions across St. Louis City and St. Louis County. In addition, Prop P dollars are being used to enhance efforts to promote the conservation of natural resources, wildlife habitats, and water quality in the greenways.
Some of the Great Rivers Greenway Capital Projects utilizing Prop P funds in progress or in the planning stages include:
- Missouri River Greenway-McKelvey Woods Trail Phase II
Plans are progressing for the construction of the McKelvey Woods Trail Phase II in Maryland Heights. It will extend the recently completed Phase I from McKelvey Woods Park two additional miles to Creve Coeur Park near Marine Avenue.
- River des Peres Greenway- Lansdowne to Gravois
Construction is wrapping up on the improvements to a three-mile section of the River des Peres Greenway between Lansdowne Avenue and Gravois Roads. The new trail is wider, fully ADA compliant, and now offers direct access to the Shrewsbury/Lansdowne Metrolink station.
- River des Peres Greenway –Alabama Bridge to Mississippi River Greenway
Later this year, construction is slated to begin on the next phase of the River des Peres Greenway that will extend it from Alabama Avenue to Lemay Park, and continue it east to connect with the Mississippi River Greenway near River City Casino.
- Gravois Greenway- Grant’s Trail Connection to River des Peres Greenway
Plans for the long-awaited connection of Grant’s Trail in St. Louis County and the River des Peres Greenway in St. Louis City are moving ahead. When completed, the connection of these two popular trails will give residents of St. Louis City and St. Louis County off-road access to a wide variety of area parks, attractions, and public transportation hubs.
“We recognize our project schedule for the coming year is extremely ambitious,” says Trautman. “However, the District’s board, staff, and project partners are eager to return the voters’ investment in regional parks, greenways, and the Gateway Arch as quickly as possible. We are grateful to them for placing their trust in us once again—and we are working diligently to deliver a cleaner, greener, and more connected region.”
About CityArchRiver 2015:
CityArchRiver 2015 is a transformational project that will enhance the Gateway Arch experience for all visitors. The project will create a seamless park experience from the city to the Mississippi River, providing visitors with a more vibrant and safer place to visit, enjoy, and return. CityArchRiver 2015 is a public-private partnership including the National Park Service, the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Great Rivers Greenway District, the City of St. Louis, Bi-State Development Agency, CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation and many other organizations. For more information, please visit www.cityarchriver.org.
About Great Rivers Greenway:
The Great Rivers Greenway District was created by a vote of the people in 2000 with the goal of making the St. Louis region a better place to live. The public organization is carrying this goal by creating community connections with the River Ring, an interconnected system of trails and greenways. The District also works to provide transportation alternatives, preserve nature, improve health and increase the economic vitality of the region. Great Rivers Greenway’s district includes St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. For more information, visit www.greatriversgreenway.org.
For More Information Contact:
Pamela Powell
The Hauser Group
314.436.9090