The Great Rivers Greenway agency has been connecting different parts of St. Louis with ‘greenways’–strips of green land, like parks, surrounding walking trails and adjacent to communities and transit–for almost two decades now.
“The goal is to have the greenway be a dynamic and unique St. Louis experience, similar to the High Line in New York City or the Atlanta Beltline,” according to a Great Rivers Greenway press release.
This year, they began an initiative calling for designs to create better greenways connecting the Forest Park and Washington University area to Downtown and the Gateway Arch. With spurs north and south, the greenway will likely stretch 5-7 miles, connecting neighborhoods, employment centers, parks, transit and dozens of cultural and educational institutions.
19 different teams submitted design concepts, and the field has now been narrowed down to four finalist teams.
On Thursday, the public was introduced to the finalists in a public forum and Saturday, January 6 has been designated Chouteau Greenway Community Day. Residents of all ages are invited to Harris-Stowe State University’s William L. Clay Professional Development Center Hall from 9AM to noon for a morning of community building and education about the Chouteau Greenway project. There will be presentations about the different Chouteau Greenway projects, along with different performances. Food and drinks served – and guests will be allowed to contribute to a community mural.
According to The Chouteau Greenway International Design Competition jury, the project is more than just an urban planning competition. It’s also an attempt to increase equity in St. Louis by creating accessible green space for all.
“Our nation is trying to figure out what equitable cities look like and this competition is an opportunity to take on those issues and bring St. Louis to the forefront of this dialogue,” the jury said in a statement.
The Great Rivers Greenway leaders hope that whichever design out of the four is chosen for the Chouteau Greenway will transform the St. Louis region, both physically and culturally, through providing walking trails and well-maintained outdoor green space where none exists.
“Imagine changing the landscape in a way that transcends traditional physical, cultural or political barriers,” said Susan Trautman, CEO of Great Rivers Greenway. “Designing Chouteau Greenway is a complex and challenging opportunity that we seek talented and innovative design teams to undertake.”
