PHOTOS: 17-acre 'Nature Playscape' coming to Forest Park in 2020

Photo credit Photo provided/Forest Park Forever

By NewsRadio 1120 KMOX

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Work begins today on the a 17-acre "Nature Playscape" in Forest Park.

Eight new 'activity areas' including Mounds, Spring, Meadow, a Wetland will be created in the area between the World’s Fair Pavilion and Jewel Box, bascially at center of one of America’s greatest urban public parks.

The ground is set to be broken Monday morning on the $4.5 million project, which is funded by Forest Park Forever donors.

It is set to open next year.

Site will be accessible by all modes of transport, including school buses.

The key goals for the Nature Playscape project are to:

Connect children and families of all backgrounds and abilities with nature and promote their physical, mental and emotional well-being
Engage children’s senses as they explore, discover and learn
Provide an accessible, joyful and safe destination for nature-based experiential education
Transform mowed turf into natural landscapes with native and diverse plant species
Promote environmental stewardship among community members of all ages
Enhance the overall Forest Park experience for all visitors

“The new Nature Playscape will be a fantastic and unique destination for both Forest Park and the entire region,” said Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “We are grateful to our generous donors who have made this project possible, and to the City of St. Louis for our terrific partnership here in the Park. Forest Park Forever believes deeply in the importance of our youth building and sustaining connections to nature, particularly in today’s digital world. The experiences kids will have in the Nature Playscape will last a lifetime.”

“The new Nature Playscape has been designed to fit thoughtfully within Forest Park,” said Greg Hayes, Director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry for the City of St. Louis. “Up until now this area had just been mowed turf. In restoring these 17 acres to more natural landscapes, the project not only offers an incredible amount of nature-based fun to visitors, but it also continues our long-term efforts to be responsible stewards of the Forest Park grounds.”

Photo credit Photo provided/Forest Park Forever