Strodtman Park is 1 of 3 parks in t
. It makes up 13.73 of the total 2,956 acres of St. Louis park land. It was placed into ordinance in 1924.
Here's an excerpt from the Missouri History Museum:
Providing more playgrounds for children in working-class areas of the city was one of the highest priorities for middle-class reformers in the early part of the twentieth century. Clean and wholesome playgrounds, where children were placed under professional adult supervision, were deemed a far superior alternative to the crowded and dangerous city streets. Playgrounds were seen as especially critical for neighborhoods like this one because the children of immigrants were thought to be especially vulnerable to the immoral influences of the unsupervised streets. This particular park was donated to the city by George W. Strodtman, a prominent North St. Louis businessman, in 1924. The park was named in memory of his wife Genevieve. For many years, the Grace Hill Settlement House sponsored softball leagues and day camps at the park. A Strodtman Park newsletter informed children and adults about ongoing programs and events. (source)
The park is located just west of Interstate 70. The streets that border the park are 13th to the east, 14th to the west, Branch to the north and Palm to the south.
The area has a largely post-industrial feel as there are former factories and warehouses surrounding the park and few residential properties.
I assume the park is most used by the students at the
Charter School immediately to the south of the park.
There is a basketball court, but there are no rims. There is a softball field, but the fences are missing.
There is a playground and small spray pool.
This is one of those city parks that I think should be embraced by the charter school. They could use it for outdoor education. If charter schools were public vs. private/non-profit entities, the park property could be given to the school.
