Work Progressing in Lucas Park
Lucas Park, in downtown St. Louis, was used for years only by the homeless in the region. Map to Lucas Park. A year ago local residents began cleaning up and using the park. The homeless are still there, just joined by loft dwellers.
In the last year an improvement plan was developed and funding obtained. Work on the improvements has begun.
One of the main issues I have with the park is the sidewalk along 14th Street on the West edge of the park. It is too narrow and too close to the street. Parents didn’t like the proximity of the playground to the street. A row of bald cypress trees were removed and a retaining wall installed — this will permit the installation of a more generous sidewalk to be placed away from the curb while also creating a barrier to keep kids out of the street.
bThe playground used to be surrounded by rotting railroad ties. Now the retaining wall material defines the playground area.
Over on the North section of the park a new dog run is being built to replace the makeshift one on the East end of the park (former Children’s Center fenced playground).
– Steve Patterson
I remember the first time I got take-away from Sen in their new location…I asked a colleague for directions, and she said, “You know, next to the park full of homeless people!”
Nice to see something being done about the park, but – is anything being done to help the people?
Last Saturday afternoon I saw the homeless set at the park (including some being arrested by the police), but I didn’t see any loft dwellers–unless they hadn’t showered in the last few weeks. It’s a great location, between the central library and Washington Ave., but somehow the park still manages to be sketchy.
The homeless are a sad lot and I feel sorry for them. However, the entire region dumps their hard luck cases on downtown St. Louis, then blames St. Louis for those people.
Anyway, the park is looking so much better. Thanks for the update!