Interview with David Fisher regarding his role in the planning and implementation of the Great Rivers Greenway, conducted in coordination with the 25th anniversary of the Greenway.
Monica Huddleston has served on the Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) board for over 15 years, and just recently completed her two-year term as the president of the board this past January. She helped launch GRG in 2000 to connect communities with accessible trails across St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County.
Todd Antoine, Chief of Planning and Projects at Great Rivers Greenway, discussed the evolution and impact of the Greenway since its inception in 2000. Initially driven by St. Louis 2004, a civic effort led by Bob Hall and the Danforth Foundation, the Greenway aims to create a bi-state, multi-county regional system. Antoine highlighted key projects like the Brick Line, St. Vincent Greenway, and Trojan Park, emphasizing community engagement and economic development. He noted challenges, such as funding limitations in St. Charles and the need for future legislative changes to expand the Greenway's reach. The Greenway's regional vision includes environmental benefits, community connectivity, and long-term sustainability.
Shaughnessy Daniels, Director of Engagement at Great Rivers Greenway (GRG), discussed her 7-year tenure and the organization's evolution since its inception in 2000. She highlighted her role in community engagement, starting as a junior staffer in the St. Louis 2004 initiative, which led to the creation of GRG. Daniels emphasized the importance of connecting communities and natural resources, noting the growth of the greenway network to 140 miles. She shared memorable moments, including the Chain of Rocks Bridge reopening and the upcoming 25th anniversary celebration. Daniels also underscored the environmental and social benefits of greenways, stressing community engagement as a core value.
"Construction began last week on the Tower Grove Connector a roughly 2-mile bike and pedestrian corridor that will stretch from Tower Grove Park to the Cortex technology district and ultimately to the larger Brickline Greenway project already in progress."
"Voters in the city, St. Louis county and St. Charles county decided that the region's parks and community trails deserved local tax support in the 2000 election, which created the Metropolitan Park and Recreation District."
"Great Rivers Greenway is a regional parks and trails district that builds a network of parks and open spaces linked together by greenways. They are planned, brought to life and cared for in partnership with more than 100 municipalitics and institutions they connect. This network strengthens the social, economic and environmental well-being of the region and connects people to their rivers, parks and communities."
"Voters in St. Louis city and county on Tuesday approved a sales tax increase that will provide nearly $800 million for improvements to the Gateway Arch grounds, park upgrades and development of more hiking and biking trails."
"A tax on Tuesday's ballots in St. Louis city and county would provide nearly $800 million for improvements to the Gateway Arch grounds, park upgrades and development of more hiking and
biking trails."
"A pedestrian walks along the Ruth Porter Park Trail of the St. Vincent Greenway near Cabanne Avenue on Thursday. The path begins at DeBaliviere Avenue at Delmar Boulevard and goes to Etzel Avenue and on to North Skinker Parkway."
"Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan and Illinois Gov. George Ryan met Tuesday on a Mississippi River bridge to enact legislation authorizing a regional park and recreation system."
"The governors of Missouri and Illinois met on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge for the first time in recent memory to sign bills creating the nation's first bistate park and recreation system."
"Celebrate the arts and Dad's Day on the Picasso Pedal bicy-cle ride hosted by The Great Rivers Greenway District, the Saint Louis Art Museum and Trailnet on Sunday, June 18. This bicycle ride is free and open to all ages thanks to support from The Great Rivers Greenway District. Please no riders using training wheels."
"Celebrate the arts on this bicycle ride hosted by The Great Rivers Greenway District, the Saint Louis Art Museum and Trailnet on Sunday, Sept. 11. This bicycle ride is free and open to all ages, thanks to support from The Great Rivers Greenway District. Please, no riders using training wheels."