David R. Francis Park

History and Establishment

Located in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, you can find David R. Francis Park, a sprawling 60.30-acre urban retreat. The park came to life in 1916 when David Rowland Francis - who wore many hats as a former St. Louis mayor and Missouri governor - generously donated the land to the city.

This green space is one of two main parks that define the St. Louis Hills area, alongside its sibling Willmore Park. It's neatly framed by Eichelberger Street to the south, Nottingham Avenue to the north, Tamm Avenue to the east, and Donovan Avenue to the west.

Park Features

At the heart of Francis Park you'll find a central walkway and lily pond with decorative sculptures that create a peaceful focal point. We should mention that the pond, while truly picturesque, sometimes gets a bit of an algae makeover during certain times of the year. The south side of the park is where all the action happens, with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and tennis courts spread across the landscape.

The park's perimeter has wide sidewalks that form a one-mile loop - popular with morning joggers, afternoon dog walkers, and families out for a stroll. The mature trees around the grounds offer welcome shade, especially during those sweltering St. Louis summers.

Kids have their own special corner with a playground that thoughtfully includes equipment for different age groups. There are separate play areas for toddlers and older children, all well-maintained and usually buzzing with the energy of local families.

Recreational Facilities

If you're into racquet sports, the park has tennis courts and pickleball courts that attract players of all skill levels. There are about six pickleball courts and eight tennis courts open to the public.

For those who prefer a different kind of wall game, the handball/racquetball courts might be more your speed. And let's not forget the generous open grassy areas that provide plenty of space for ultimate frisbee, soccer, or just lounging with a good book.

Rockwell Beer Garden

One of the more recent and welcome additions to the park is the Rockwell Beer Garden, conveniently situated near the tennis and pickleball courts. This laid-back spot serves up craft beers, pizza, and other refreshments in a casual outdoor setting. Many parents enjoy a drink here while watching their kids play nearby. Public restrooms can be found at the back of the beer garden building - always good to know!

Community Events

The park hosts events organized by the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association, including an art fair, a 5K run, and a bike race that's part of the St. Louis Gateway Cup series. These gatherings help create community connections while raising funds for park maintenance.

Summer brings even more activity with a Thursday evening farmers market, outdoor concerts, yoga classes, and various community happenings. The Compton Heights Band adds a soundtrack to summer evenings with their concerts in the park.

Conservation Efforts

In 2010, the City of St. Louis Planning Commission adopted the Francis Park Strategic Plan, laying out a vision for preserving and enhancing what makes this space special. The Friends of Francis Park, a 501(c)(3) charity run by local volunteers, fundraises for major improvements beyond the city's budget.

Visitor Information

You can enjoy the park daily from 6AM to 10PM. There's street parking available on all sides, but here's an important tip: you need to park at a 45-degree angle facing outward - unless you're a fan of parking tickets!

Dogs are welcome companions but must be kept on leashes throughout your visit. Francis Park is known for being safe, clean, and welcoming to both neighborhood residents and visitors from across St. Louis.