Saint Louis Place Park

A Park with Heritage

Tucked within the St. Louis Place neighborhood, Saint Louis Place Park stretches across 10 blocks between 21st Street and Rauschenbach Avenue. This long, slender green corridor has been the community's backyard since 1850, when the land - formerly an old reservoir - was gifted to the city by Governor John Miller, John O'Fallon, Louis LaBeaume, and other civic-minded citizens of their day.

Places to Play

The park offers options for everyone. Meandering paths are ideal for a leisurely walk or getting your steps in while enjoying the scenery. Kids have a playground with swings and climbing equipment for afternoon play, plus a spray pool that provides relief during those sweltering Missouri summers.

Sports fans might appreciate the park's basketball court, which stands out with its unique circular design - definitely not something you see everywhere. And keeping watch over it all is a mid-century service building that adds a touch of architectural character to the landscape.

Gathering Spots

Craving an outdoor meal? Picnic tables are scattered across the grounds, great for everything from sandwich lunches to birthday celebrations. There's plenty of open space, too, if you want to bring chairs and set up camp for the afternoon. The park's magnificent trees create patches of welcome shade - absolute lifesavers during hot summer days when the sun feels relentless.

Community Vibes

When summer rolls around, Saint Louis Place Park transforms into a community hub. Free live music events bring neighbors together under open skies, creating those perfect summer evening memories. It's not uncommon to find chess players concentrated over their boards or food vendors sharing their specialties during special events. These gatherings have become something of a tradition, with locals returning year after year to reconnect.

The Neighborhood Scene

Look beyond the park's edges and you'll see a mix of architectural styles that tell the story of this neighborhood - townhouses and bungalows stand alongside churches and the distinctive St. Louis Fire Department's Engine House No. 5. This diverse backdrop adds context to the park, anchoring it firmly in the community's identity.

Historical Notes

History buffs might be interested to know that the park once displayed a statue of German poet Friedrich Schiller. Installed in 1898, the statue was relocated elsewhere in the 1970s. Despite this change, the park remains a green space where residents come to play and relax.