1.5-mile Expansion Will Link Three Webster Groves Parks—Deer Creek, Barnickle and Lorraine Davis

Construction to extend the Deer Creek Greenway 1.5 miles from its current endpoint in Webster Groves’ Deer Creek Park and connect it with Lorraine Davis Park is underway. The paved greenway will provide residents with more opportunities to connect with nature by walking, riding bikes, pushing a stroller, or using a wheelchair. The extension will add 1.5 miles to the existing 0.7-mile greenway, for a total of 2.2 miles to explore and enjoy.

The existing segment parallels Deer Creek, running from Big Bend Boulevard through Deer Creek Shopping Center and Maplewood’s Deer Creek Park (Rocket Park) and ending at Deer Creek Park in Webster Groves. The expanded route will extend from Deer Creek Park, along Pacific Avenue, through Barnickle Park to Lorraine Davis Park, ending at Ravine Avenue.

While most of the Deer Creek Greenway extension will involve the construction of a new multi-use path for anyone running, walking or riding a bike, portions of the expansion will utilize existing sidewalks and roadways. The project will make use of the existing sidewalk along East Pacific Avenue between Barnickle Park and Deer Creek Park. Modifications and additions will be made to the sidewalk to make the entirety of this half-mile path ADA accessible. For cyclists traveling between these two parks, shared-lane arrows, or “sharrows,” will be applied to the surface of Pacific.

In addition to a paved trail, plans call for new trees, shrubs and native grasses to be planted along the greenway. A few benches will also be strategically placed to allow residents to relax and enjoy the fresh air. In Lorraine Davis Park, plans include boardwalks, landscaping with native plants, and a new pavilion with picnic tables and a drinking fountain. A new overlook adjacent to the pavilion will offer views of the confluence of Deer and Shady Creeks.

In Barnickle Park, project plans include a new basketball court. The City of Webster Groves will also be building a new playground. As part of a separate project, plans are underway to construct a new trailhead at Marshall Avenue near the lower entrance to Owen Development, Inc.

“We are eager to bring this expanded greenway to life for people of all ages and abilities to connect to parks, neighborhoods, shopping and more,” says Angelica Gutierrez, Great Rivers Greenway project manager. “We are grateful for our partners at the City of Webster Groves and other stakeholders who have helped shape the plans for this new community asset.”

Portions of Lorraine Davis Park, Barnickle Park and Deer Creek Park will be closed at different stages throughout construction. Project partners are working together to minimize impact to the existing amenities and parking. Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2018.