^ The initiative was spurred by the changed lease for Hudlin Park (nee Forest Park) that allows BJC to build on it.
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I'm not sure if any of you have noticed but the Gateway Arch Plans do look like they will have a field which will be able to convert to a soccer field. Its on the north side where the parking garage used to be.
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I say let's do. Sell the portion of the gateway mall between 15th and Aloe plaza. It's a disaster and a breeding ground for criminal activity. Find a reputable developer and put buildings on them.
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Then again, if the City's unable or unwilling, one could always go the WAVE Taco route...
Rather than trying to rededicate purpose for a City-maintained park, what if someone built a basketball court privately, say proximate to WAVE's volleyball courts, and have Downtown ball managed in a similar fashion? I could see pickup games, leagues, and so forth; for that matter, you could even set up some courts for tennis right with basketball. Revenues could come from a membership program, a $1 court fee for non-members, participation in leagues (with pro refs), and bar/concessions. Initial investment is mostly for property, i.e. buying a vacant lot, repaving it, and putting up fences, hoops/tennis nets, some bleachers, and a small building for food & bathrooms. Special events could be huge; I could see multiple radio stations wanting to broadcast from "Downtown's Top Courts." For relatively low initial money down, I bet one could recoup some solid ROI.
Damn, this is a real good idea. Why am I just giving it away to you fools?
Remember me when you build it.
Rather than trying to rededicate purpose for a City-maintained park, what if someone built a basketball court privately, say proximate to WAVE's volleyball courts, and have Downtown ball managed in a similar fashion? I could see pickup games, leagues, and so forth; for that matter, you could even set up some courts for tennis right with basketball. Revenues could come from a membership program, a $1 court fee for non-members, participation in leagues (with pro refs), and bar/concessions. Initial investment is mostly for property, i.e. buying a vacant lot, repaving it, and putting up fences, hoops/tennis nets, some bleachers, and a small building for food & bathrooms. Special events could be huge; I could see multiple radio stations wanting to broadcast from "Downtown's Top Courts." For relatively low initial money down, I bet one could recoup some solid ROI.
Damn, this is a real good idea. Why am I just giving it away to you fools?
Remember me when you build it.
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Lucas Park back in the news. There has been an uptick in trash and homeless people recently.
http://www.kmov.com/news/local/City-rea ... um=twitter
http://www.kmov.com/news/local/City-rea ... um=twitter
You would think there is something that could be done about people washing and drying laundry in the park...That's just really stupid and selfish...
As far as homeless just hanging out...There ain't a city in the US that doesn't have homeless...Was in Vegas last week and there were plenty of folks who looked like theyve seen a better day...Yet cities thrive...The homeless are not what is holding St. Louis back...
As far as homeless just hanging out...There ain't a city in the US that doesn't have homeless...Was in Vegas last week and there were plenty of folks who looked like theyve seen a better day...Yet cities thrive...The homeless are not what is holding St. Louis back...
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Apparantly an ice skating rink will be opening this winter on the block across from the Peabody OH this winter.... anyone have more details? (It was announced during Charlie Brennan's radio book club which took place at the Peabody.)
That is a great idea...why not transform it into a killer skate park during the warm months...expanding the success and energy of citygarden all the way to union station is important for downtown imo...
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^ I look forward to the details and switching over to another active use for warmer months would be great. According to the master plan, a skate park is on the boards as part of an active recreation area at the "terminus area" of the far west end. The blocks across the Peabody are called the "Civic Room" designed as a central gathering place for festivals, etc. with a permanent stage. With Peabody one the south and a refurbished Library on the north it has a lot of potential.
Looks like the skate park is coming. Of course it temporary but its pretty cool idea. I see this in a lot of different cities and I'm glad we are picking up on it.
http://peabodyoperahouse.com/plan-a-vis ... anto-grove
http://peabodyoperahouse.com/plan-a-vis ... anto-grove
I think you mean skate rink. A skatepark is for skateboarding and BMX bikes.
Sorry long day at work 
...Drove close by but didnt notice anything. Maybe becasue its Monday but will have to drive by again.
...Drove close by but didnt notice anything. Maybe becasue its Monday but will have to drive by again.- 8,924
FYI - StL is not just now "picking up on this." There was an ice rink downtown during the holidays until recently.
Saw the site Tuesday. It has lights strung above the rink, which looks nice. However, the rink is so tiny. Doing laps around this baby at any speed might make you loose your lunch. Oh well, it's something.
I recently learned of a not-for-profit group, Friends of Lucas Park Inc., which is working with the City to improve and beautify Lucas Park. More specifically, they are looking to install a children's playground, insert new plantings and grass. There is also discussion of an adult fitness equipment. The build date for the playground is August 8, 2012. So, this is a live project.
The website is: http://www.friendsoflucaspark.blogspot.com/
As a resident of downtown, this is great. It is wonderful to see residents coming together to reclaim the park. I respectfully ask that people spread the word to anyone that may be able to contribute time or money towards this effort. I am certainly going to do so.
The website is: http://www.friendsoflucaspark.blogspot.com/
As a resident of downtown, this is great. It is wonderful to see residents coming together to reclaim the park. I respectfully ask that people spread the word to anyone that may be able to contribute time or money towards this effort. I am certainly going to do so.
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I believe this has been going on for several years. They built the dog park on the northern part of the park. Not sure how a playground would work. How do you keep the bums out?StL317 wrote:I recently learned of a not-for-profit group, Friends of Lucas Park Inc., which is working with the City to improve and beautify Lucas Park. More specifically, they are looking to install a children's playground, insert new plantings and grass. There is also discussion of an adult fitness equipment. The build date for the playground is August 8, 2012. So, this is a live project.
The website is: http://www.friendsoflucaspark.blogspot.com/
As a resident of downtown, this is great. It is wonderful to see residents coming together to reclaim the park. I respectfully ask that people spread the word to anyone that may be able to contribute time or money towards this effort. I am certainly going to do so.
You are correct that there was an attempt several years ago. However, this new project is well underway, part of a bigger plan for the neighborhood and has a very high likelihood of success. One important difference is that young parents are very active with this project. The fact that there is not a safe usable park in their neighborhood has activated a lot of mothers. And as we all know, there is little that can stop a loving mother when it comes to their children.
With respect to the homeless issue, the idea is to make sure that everyone has a reason to use the park. Accordingly, by providing a playground, adult fitness equipment and a new setting, the park will be something used by everybody. The goal is to make sure that one use does not dominate the park to the detriment of the local neighborhood.
With respect to the homeless issue, the idea is to make sure that everyone has a reason to use the park. Accordingly, by providing a playground, adult fitness equipment and a new setting, the park will be something used by everybody. The goal is to make sure that one use does not dominate the park to the detriment of the local neighborhood.
Almost halfway there!
http://friendsoflucaspark.blogspot.com/
Anyone know of any large corporations that would be interested in donating or putting their name on the park since there has been so much growth and activity (lots of people waaay more than years past) walking up and down WashAve?
http://friendsoflucaspark.blogspot.com/
Anyone know of any large corporations that would be interested in donating or putting their name on the park since there has been so much growth and activity (lots of people waaay more than years past) walking up and down WashAve?
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^ I am sure there are limitations to what would be allowed for "naming" or other recognition for corporate support of city parks; perhaps plaque recognition would be okay but I doubt there could be much more.
framer wrote:Here's the story from today's Post:
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metr ... 29eda.html
Some major work occurred on both Friday and Saturday last week: A new playground on the east end of the park under the shade of the trees and a good amount of soil delivery and prep for a lot of new landscaping. I believe the landscaping and irrigation are the next steps which will be occurring over the next month or two.StL317 wrote:...this new project is well underway, part of a bigger plan for the neighborhood and has a very high likelihood of success. One important difference is that young parents are very active with this project. The fact that there is not a safe usable park in their neighborhood has activated a lot of mothers. And as we all know, there is little that can stop a loving mother when it comes to their children.
With respect to the homeless issue, the idea is to make sure that everyone has a reason to use the park. Accordingly, by providing a playground, adult fitness equipment and a new setting, the park will be something used by everybody. The goal is to make sure that one use does not dominate the park to the detriment of the local neighborhood.
My personal favorite moment: Being harassed by the meter maid that our large mound of wood chips (delivered on the street and in process of being moved inside the park via Bobcat that very moment) were illegally blocking two metered parking spaces. Sure, nevermind the tens of thousands of dollars raised by residents and the countless volunteer hours put in to rehab this city park - it is of course of paramount importance the city does not miss out on the six bucks of revenue those meters could have provided the city over the course of the three hours it took to move the wood chips.
If this turns out anything like Bryant Park I would be ecstatic. Thanks for all your work!
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If it was one tenth as great as Bryant Park I would be ecstatic.
Ah, the marriage of power and bureaucracy...My personal favorite moment: Being harassed by the meter maid that our large mound of wood chips (delivered on the street and in process of being moved inside the park via Bobcat that very moment) were illegally blocking two metered parking spaces.
So good to hear about the park, though...