The Missouri side of the Chain of Rocks bridge landing over the Mississippi River has seen a significant investment in safety and sustainability.
We’ve visited this St. Louis landmark many times since moving here in 1994. Check out our story from 2015. We also discussed the bridge in the context of the Riverview Neighborhood back in 2011.
This site once held an amusement park from 1927 - 1978. The bridge was also the backdrop for a scene in Escape from New York in the darkest days of St. Louis’ population decline and abandonment.
Yet another change is upon us.
This landmark is seeing an investment in a more native and sustainable landscape, teamed with added security, accessibility and permeable parking.
We stopped by on Sunday, April 14th when a large bike ride was taking place.
Great Rivers Greenway is leading this latest effort with a variety of stakeholders.
“Project Overview:
Great Rivers Greenway is working with a variety of stakeholders to create a vision for the Missouri side of the historic Route 66 Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. With the aim of bringing people to the site on a regular basis, this vision is considering safety and security, the entry experience, potential events and the facilities needed to support them.
Project Partners:
Great Rivers Greenway, Missouri Departments of Conservation, Natural Resources/Missouri State Parks, Transportation, National Park Service, Metropolitan Sewer District, Chain of Rocks Community Association, private donors including Mysun Charitable Foundation and the William R. Orthwein Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation, plus many stakeholders”
The vision from GRG, at least five years in the making:
So let’s take a look at what we noticed on a beautiful spring day in North City.
First, the recent lane reduction on Riverview Drive, complete with a center median, has greatly slowed traffic to a much more civilized pace.
Entering from Riverview, the rainwater swales and security station/gate are the first things you’ll come across. Runoff management will be important near this busy road and bike path, well done!
Safety and property security were key requests from the community survey participants. There will be security staff on site at peak hours. There are also signs of a future fence that will surround the property.
Initial indications look tasteful and respectful to the neighbors on the bluffs and passersby on Riverview Drive and I-270.
After entering the gates, there will be overflow parking/event space, shade and natural landscapes to greet you. The road and widening of the bike lane converge smartly, accommodating vendors, food trucks and bike racks on event days.
I trust the landscape will be gorgeous in a couple years. The plantings are obviously not complete, but the spaces that will encourage plant and wildlife are plotted out & ready for planting.
I’m confident the plant species will be intelligently chosen and placed.
To the north, toward the bridge, there are much needed water fountains, a pavilion and a lighted parking lot.
No more dirt and chat parking, this permeable surface is a responsible compromise for visitors arriving by car.
The bridge itself was flanked with safety fencing to protect someone rolling in hot from taking a dip in the Big Muddy.
The park is still very much a work in progress, so we’ll be sure to update readers when the place fills out and becomes a calming, functional respite.
An artist, Simiya Sudduth, will be installing colorful pieces with the Mississippi Flyway and river geology in mind.
Yet another reason to believe in St. Louis. Well done, donors, workers, planners, landscapers and fellow citizens!
