Gwen B. Giles Park

A Legacy in Green: The Story Behind the Park

Situated in St. Louis' West End neighborhood sits a modest green haven with a powerful history. Originally called Catalpa Park when established in 1959, this space was renamed in 1986 to honor Gwen B. Giles - a true trailblazer who broke through multiple barriers as the first African American woman in the Missouri Senate and the first woman and African American to serve as St. Louis city assessor.

What You'll Find Here

Spanning 5.35 acres, this urban retreat offers a welcome breath of fresh air for the surrounding community. It's a simple, unpretentious place where you can stretch out on the grass, enjoy a picnic, or just take a moment away from the bustle of city life.

If you're a long-time St. Louis resident, you might remember when the park featured a charming wooden fortress, playful cannons, and a distinctive concrete seal that generations of local kids climbed on. Though these beloved structures have since been removed, their memory lives on in neighborhood stories.

Finding Your Way

You'll spot the park near where the historic Hodiamont Streetcar line's Right of Way meets North Skinker Boulevard - a location that makes it easily accessible for folks living nearby.

More Than a Green Space

While Gwen B. Giles Park has weathered its share of maintenance challenges over the years, it remains more than just a patch of green. It honors Giles' remarkable legacy in civil rights and public service throughout St. Louis.