What Made Us Smile in 2020
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People Helping People
After a man experienced a stroke on Gravois Greenway last fall, fellow cyclists stopped to help him; called 911 and waited with him until paramedics arrived. Their quick action saved his life and helped him make a full recovery!
New Greenway Friends
The greenways welcomed a record number of people who headed outside this year to walk, ride bikes, push a stroller, use a wheelchair or just get some fresh air. Based on our electronic counters, there were nearly 3 million trips taken on the greenway in 2020—a seventy percent increase over 2019!
Eagle Days
While we did not know it at the time, our one-and-only in person community event for 2020 was Eagle Days. Fortunately, it was a fun one! People came from across the region to watch eagles, learn about other animals who live along the rivers and enjoy spectacular views of the Mighty Mississippi from atop the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
A New Name: Brickline Greenway
Area residents of all ages astonished us with their creativity —submitting more than 1000 name ideas for the greenway formerly known as Chouteau. Now officially the Brickline Greenway, the project continues to move forward in three different segments right now—coordinating with other regional projects on community engagement, infrastructure and equitable economic development.
Winter Fires Bring Summer wildflowers
Last February’s controlled burn at Bluebird Meadow on the Dardenne Greenway brought forth an abundance of colorful wildflowers across the 34-acre restored prairie. Once a sod farm, it’s now a thriving prairie and natural floodplain for Dardenne Creek that offers valuable resources to pollinators, birds and wildlife. It’s also been a picturesque landscape enjoyed by the people who visited the greenway this year…and will be for years to come.
Creative Outdoor Fun With Your “Bubble” (who knew that would be a thing?!)
The pandemic forced organizations across the area to adapt existing events or create new one that considered COVID-19 restrictions. The GO! St. Louis Passport Challenge was a great example of a new event that allowed people to get outside and explore new places via a greenway in a safe way. We’re so glad they partnered with us!
River Cleanups 2020 Edition
Thanks to many flexible and creative partners, River des Peres Trash 2020 happened Covid-style. Over seven days, more than 320 volunteers removed 3+tons of trash & 50+ tires from area parks, greenways and creeks! There were also more than 300 storm drain inlets marked to remind neighbors that these inlets drain to area creeks and streams.
Trojan Park Award
The small but mighty Trojan Park on the St. Vincent Greenway in Wellston earned national recognition! It was one of two Urban Land Institute 2020 Urban Open Space Award Winners, complete with a grant to the Great Rivers Greenway Foundation to support the park. Cheers to everyone who helped bring this special place to life and keep it going every day!
River des Peres Gravois Greenway Connection Completed!
Historic floods, a global pandemic, and a shift to work-from-home did not stop our team, partners and construction crews from delivering the long-awaited and eagerly anticipated Gravois Greenway to River des Peres Greenway Connection. We are so happy you like it!
20 Years!
November 7 marked the 20th anniversary of the vote that created Great Rivers Greenway. We are honored to be delivering this vision alongside hundreds of partners and millions of community members for 20 years now! (Help us envision the next 20 years here.)
Storybook Walk on the Maline Greenway
The new Storybook Walk on the Maline Greenway was a big hit! “Hair Love,” the kids’ book based on the Oscar-winning short film (produced here in St. Louis!) is displayed page-by-page on progressive boards along the greenway. Go check it out soon!
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Neighbors
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge neighbors are working side-by-side with us and many partners to create a new vision for the area surrounding the Missouri entrance to the bridge. Their enthusiasm is contagious and we appreciate their efforts to enhance the area with freshly painted temporary barriers.