St. Louis reveals design for $6 million Forest Park bike path
The proposed route links the Cortex MetroLink station to the park and is scheduled for construction in 2028.
By Jack Weber ·
Great Rivers Greenway presented the design for the Forest Park Connector to the public on Thursday evening. The proposed route is a $6 million project intended to link the Cortex MetroLink station directly to Forest Park. Construction on this specific segment is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Emma Klues, vice president of communications and outreach for Great Rivers Greenway, stated that the segment is just over halfway to the design completion point. She explained that the presentation allows for community feedback on the current plan. The design includes modifications to a large intersection near the MetroLink station and the creation of a new rest area in a small park before Kingshighway.
The project is a collaboration involving Great Rivers Greenway, Forest Park, the City of St. Louis, BJC, and Washington University Medicine. Klues noted that the goal is to provide safe and easy connections for residents. "We want to give people safe, easy connections that make them excited to explore and enjoy everything St. Louis has to offer," Klues said. She described Forest Park as one of the region's crown jewels.
This connector is one of the final pieces being designed for the larger Brickline Greenway. Once complete, the greenway will run from Forest Park to the Gateway Arch, National Park, Fairground Park, and Tower Grove Park. Klues said the network covers 14 different neighborhoods and is designed for walking, cycling, strollers, wheelchairs, and transit connections.
Vladimir Sukhov, who was cycling in Forest Park on Thursday, said he enjoys riding in the park but faces challenges elsewhere. "I really like to cycle in Forest Park, but outside, in some areas of the city, to be honest, it would be nice to have a better infrastructure, like dedicated bike roads would be very nice to have," Sukhov said. He noted that he often travels through the Central West End and believes a specific lane for bikes would improve safety.
Janet Newcomb expressed support for the additional connections, particularly those leading to the Arch grounds and the riverfront. "The more we can do to get people from this area [Forest Park] down is great," Newcomb said. She observed that greenways in other parts of the city have successfully brought different places together and attracted more visitors.
Steven Foelsch, a public policy advisor at the Starkloff Disability Institute, described the existing greenway sections as providing freedom and safety. "Now with this greenway, I don't have to cross any busy streets. I don't feel like I'm in jeopardy or in peril," Foelsch said. He noted that he currently takes the MetroLink from downtown and rides through the park to avoid busy streets.
One mile and a quarter of the Brickline Greenway is already built, while another 1.3 miles are under construction. Work on the section of Spring between Lindell and Page is set to start soon. The remaining seven miles are in the planning and design phase. The full Brickline Greenway project costs about $245 million, with a goal to connect all pieces by 2030.
