Special to the American
The Great Rivers Greenway District n the public organization leading the development of a region-wide system of interconnected greenways, parks and trails known as The River Ring n will hold an open house public forum for The Trestle, a two-mile former rail corridor featuring an elevated steel rail deck.
The program on Thursday, October 23 at Confluence Academy n Old North St. Louis Campus, 3017 N. 13th Street (63107) n includes an Open House from 5:30 until 6 p.m. and a formal presentation from 6 until 6:30 p.m., followed by informal questions and answers until 7:30 p.m.
Light refreshments and drinks will be served. No reservations are required and secure parking is available.
Stretching from the Mississippi River to downtown St. Louis, The Trestle will distinguish St. Louis as only the third city in the world to convert an historic elevated railroad viaduct into a linear urban recreation area high above street level. The others are the High Line in New York City and the Promenade Plantée in Paris, France.
During the Open House, representatives of the planning and design team will be stationed alongside displays of maps and renderings to help explain the various concepts being proposed for the trail.
“This new corridor is a particularly important addition to our emerging network of trails and greenways known as The River Ring, which is encompassing the region,” said David Fisher, Executive Director for The Great Rivers Greenway District.
“Because many of the concepts being presented at the Open House are based on public input gathered one year ago at our first public forum for The Trestle, we are anxious to get additional feedback reaction as we prepare to proceed to the next level of planning and design for this unique project.”
Since developing the initial concept plan in 2007, the Great Rivers Greenway District has continued to work with Grace Hill Settlement House and various public, nonprofit and private entities to solicit feedback and recommendations on the proposed improvements.
“The Trestle not only will provide transportation options for workers and recreational users with access to downtown, it will strengthen adjoining north side residential neighborhoods,” said Doug Eller, Director of Community Development for Grace Hill Settlement House.
Highlights of the Trestle experience, which meanders from urban streetscapes and pocket parks to river views and natural habitats, include:
* The Trestle begins at Cass Avenue and Hadley Street, with a streetscape that welcomes pedestrians and cyclists with generous sidewalks and dedicated bikeways, shaded by trees.
* It extends along the old rail right-of-way leading up to a proposed park, where typical amenities may include a pavilion/visitors’ center, children’s playground, bike rental, pedi-cab rental, event space and an amphitheater created by landscaping.
* The next “node” is the I-70 Trestle Overpass, which would become an intensively landscaped corridor featuring views toward Downtown.
* Proceeding away from I-70, the elevated trestle crosses North Broadway, where visitors can view the new Mississippi River Bridge, read information on the history and culture of the area and relax at a shaded rest stop.
* The Trestle continues along North Market past Produce Row, where it creates ideal conditions for storm water mitigation and solar energy opportunities.
* The River Overlook at North Market Street begins The Trestle’s run along the habitat zone of the Mississippi Riparian Corridor, where users could bicycle through a meadow of restored landscapes and experience an interconnected riparian habitat zone that would be established for birds and other wildlife to co-exist with the river-based commerce.
* At the Branch Street Plaza, where The Trestle touches at-grade, proposed amenities could include a hardscape plaza with shade structures, water features, parking and restroom facilities.
For more information about Great Rivers Greenway District, visit www.greatrivers.info.