Great Rivers Greenway is thrilled to be partnering with the Urban League to implement a greenway guide program on the North Riverfront Trail. Not only will this partnership provide excellent job training and employment for our community with the Save Our Sons program, but also enhances the experience for those using our network of greenways to be active, get around town or just enjoy being outside.

This pilot project will take place on the portion of the Mississippi River Greenway that stretches from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to the north to the Biddle Street trailhead on the south. Later this fall, we’ll extend the greenway south to Chouteau, when our project on Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard in front of the Gateway Arch grounds is completed.

Guides will work together with our other support teams and our partners at the City of St. Louis to monitor and maintain this greenway, including trail maintenance and conservation projects to enhance the area. Guides will also operate the Mary Meachum Visitor’s Center, offering support like bicycle repair, way finding directions and first aid.

We’re excited to work with the Urban League to develop qualified ambassadors to greet and support visitors exploring the greenway. For us, having a community presence on the riverfront is key. This is an opportunity to connect residents of north city to this recreational resource and cultural sites like the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing, where we’ll celebrate the 150th anniversary of the end of slavery May 9th.

We are building, promoting and sustaining this network of greenways to make the St. Louis region an even better place to live. This project is just one way we’re engaging residents of the region to connect with their investment, this network of greenways, and each other. We hope you’ll visit and experience the benefits of this partnership first hand!