A Great Rivers Greenway Special Event Permit is required for all events held at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing or Katherine Ward Burg Garden. For all Old Chain of Rocks Bridge crossings only, refer to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Special Use Permit Application.
Great Rivers Greenway works with partners and communities to build, promote and sustain a network of greenways, making the St. Louis region a vibrant place to live, work and play. We also own a few properties that are great places to hold an event. Thank you for considering a Great Rivers Greenway property for your event!
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge – The bridge spans the Mississippi River and was part of the historic Route 66. Located off of Riverview Drive south of I-270. Improvements to this site are underway and will be completed in 2024.
Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing – This historic site is part of the Underground Railroad. Located on the Mississippi Greenway (Riverfront Trail) 1/8 mile south of the end of East Prairie Ave.
Katherine Ward Burg Garden – This site opened in 2023 as a place to enjoy views of the Mississippi River, passing trains and the Eads Bridge. Located at Lucas Ave. and N. 1st St.
This looks like a lot of paperwork! Why is it necessary? The Great Rivers Greenway Special Event permitting process provides reasonable assurance of safety from risks for the people who will be working, attending or volunteering at an event on Great Rivers Greenway property and that the property is in the same condition after the event that it was before the event.
For some event features such as food and beverage sales, large tents, or amusement rides, you will need to acquire additional permits from the City of St. Louis. Read the Additional Permits section of this application to find out who to contact and where to go for these additional permits.
Permit fees will be assessed for Great Rivers Greenway’s resources (staff time, materials, contracted services) expended in preparation for, during and after the special event. Permit fees are due prior to permit issuance.
In general, during setup and take down of special events vehicles will not be allowed to operate on turf area. Fireworks will not be permitted on any Great Rivers Greenway property.
Rainout/Cancellation Policy – All rental fees are non-refundable regardless of inclement weather and/or other unexpected events. Permits are not transferrable and may be revoked or changed at the discretion of the Director of Greenway Operations.
Additional Permits – The applicant is responsible for obtaining all City permits. Great Rivers Greenway Special Event Permit is null and void unless the appropriate City permits are obtained.