ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - After two years of construction, Forest Park Forever is almost ready to unveil the newest section of one of America’s greatest urban public parks. They announced the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape in Forest Park will open to the public on June 2.
The nine new "activity areas" including Mounds, Spring, Meadow, a Wetland are in the area between the World’s Fair Pavilion and Jewel Box – basically at the center of the park.
The 17-acres used to be just grassy fields, but are now a playscape connected by a series of accessible paths and boardwalks.
Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape By the Numbers
Playscape Size: 17 acres
Trees planted: 300
Shrubs planted: 700
Perennials Planted: 40,000
Boulders & Rocks: 1,500 tons, including Missouri limestone
Paths: 1+ miles
Boardwalks: 4
Wood Stump Steppers: 1,500+
Sand for Play Areas: 30 tons
Hand Water Pumps: 5
Boot-Washing Stations: 2
Benches: 30+ made from fallen or hazard local trees
Bike Racks: 7
Drinking Fountains: 3
Design & Build Cost: $5 million
Cost to enter and enjoy: $0
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The Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape was funded by donors to Forever: The Campaign for Forest Park’s Future, Forest Park Forever's $139 million capital and endowment fundraising effort that was completed in 2017, as well as additional generous donors who supported the project through 2019.
“We are thrilled to announce our June 2 opening date for the new Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape,” said Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “Our team is in the final stages of planting, chip-sealing the path system and more. We can’t wait to see the Playscape filled with smiles this June — and for decades to come.”
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