Master Plan
Work towards the Meramec Greenway Master plan began more than 30 years ago with a collective goal of preserving open space and building trails so people could explore and enjoy this beautiful river corridor. Great Rivers Greenway is working in partnership with the Meramec River Recreation Association, St. Louis County Department of Parks, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks, the Missouri Department of Conservation and various municipalities in St. Louis County to advance the plan.
Current Status
In 2002, Great Rivers Greenway District’s board of directors approved the Meramec River Greenway Concept Plan. This calls for a greenway stretching 50 river miles from the Meramec’s confluence with the Mississippi River to the City of Pacific.
In addition to working with partners to develop and extend the greenway for public enjoyment, Great Rivers Greenway has acquired more than 288 acres of land within the Meramec River corridor.
Beginning with the westernmost section, The Meramec Greenway (paved) crosses under Highway 44 near the City of Eureka and extends 1.5 miles between Lions Park and Route 66 State Park. To the east, the greenway stretches along the river between Glencoe and Sherman Beach Park (gravel). This section also includes the Rock Hollow Trail (paved) that spurs off to Ridge Road. Further east, the greenway (paved) meanders through the trees along the banks of the river; linking Arnold’s Grove Park in Valley Park to Simpson Park and Greentree Park in Kirkwood. On the south and west side of the river, the greenway connects Unger Park to Fenton City Park and George Winter Park. In Lower Meramec Park, the greenway meanders for 1.94 miles along the Meramec River bottomland (paved).
Projects In Progress
Interstate 44 Bridge Over Meramec River
The Missouri Department of Transportation constructed a new I-44 bridge over the Meramec River, west of Highway 270. Great Rivers Greenway committed funding along with the Cities of Fenton, Kirkwood and Sunset Hills towards the construction of a pedestrian bridge on the north side of the new westbound bridge. This project is complete and ready for you to explore and enjoy. A grand opening celebration is planned for spring 2023!
Route 66 Bridge Over the Meramec River
Great Rivers Greenway is part of a steering group that is undertaking fundraising efforts to preserve and renew this historic structure as part of the Meramec Greenway.
Meramec Greenway: Unger Park
We are working with project partners and the community to determine the best location to rebuild the greenway that has been damaged by repeated flooding. This project will also study a new greenway extension from Unger Park to the existing Meramec Greenway that leads to Fenton City Park and George Winter Park.
Future Connections
The new walking and biking bridge over the Meramec River along Highway 44 is almost done! Stay tuned for updates on when it will be open for you.
