Saturday in Fox Park
A week ago I took the bus to Fox Park — the neighborhood and city park — to check out a community project in the park. Mark Groth (St. Louis City Talk) told me he and others on the Fox Park park committee would be planting 40 trees so I had to stop by.
The city website for the park says: “Fox Park and Playground began to be used for recreational purposes in 1917 under a permit from the Fox Brothers and was purchased in 1931.” In 1909 the land that is now the park was the lumberyard for the Fox Brother’s millwork and wagon businesses.
I really like this little neighborhood park, such a great asset  for the residents. I applaud them for putting sweat equity into the park.
– Steve Patterson
Steve, I was a Fox Park resident from ’87 to ’93 before moving across the highway to Eads Park for twelve years.  I hope you have a copy of Fox Park’s impressive park plan.  It  incorporated more than nineteen (19) recreational features in a relative small space.  The plan set undeveloped for years due to the lack of organization and leadership.  It is good see neighbors finally taking an interest in park development.  I hope they are doing everything they can to be true to the original plan or make some thoughtful and design-positive alternations.  The plan was designed by H3 or some other firm you would recognize.  If I cannot find a copy of it, I am sure there is one out there. Â
Steve, I was a Fox Park resident from ’87 to ’93 before moving across the highway to Eads Park for twelve years. I hope you have a copy of Fox Park’s impressive park plan. It incorporated more than nineteen (19) recreational features in a relative small space. The plan set undeveloped for years due to the lack of organization and leadership. It is good see neighbors finally taking an interest in park development. I hope they are doing everything they can to be true to the original plan or make some thoughtful and design-positive alternations. The plan was designed by H3 or some other firm you would recognize. If I cannot find a copy of it, I am sure there is one out there.
I linked to the website that contains the plan, it does need to be updated.
I linked to the website that contains the plan, it does need to be updated.
Isn’t this what we pay taxes for?! Shouldn’t city parks be maintained consistently citywide? Why is it left up to neighborhood volunteers and arbitrary ward boundaries to make improvements?
Isn’t this what we pay taxes for?! Shouldn’t city parks be maintained consistently citywide? Why is it left up to neighborhood volunteers and arbitrary ward boundaries to make improvements?
^In theory, I agree; but the squeaky wheel gets the grease, no? The city has actually been quite helpful and responsive thus far…but you have to ask for it. Resources seem to go where people who care demand them…simply my opinion. In my experience, it’s quite easy to get things done in this town, you just have to have a DIY spirit and not let bureaucrats and naysayers get you down and suck the soul. Any responsible citizen with a little gumption and tenacity can make real positive change. I am constantly shocked at how people who are from here or have lived here for years sit back and nay-say. It’s a real set back and a waste of time.
^In theory, I agree; but the squeaky wheel gets the grease, no? The city has actually been quite helpful and responsive thus far…but you have to ask for it. Resources seem to go where people who care demand them…simply my opinion. In my experience, it’s quite easy to get things done in this town, you just have to have a DIY spirit and not let bureaucrats and naysayers get you down and suck the soul. Any responsible citizen with a little gumption and tenacity can make real positive change. I am constantly shocked at how people who are from here or have lived here for years sit back and nay-say. It’s a real set back and a waste of time.
Fox Park is an exceptional architectural treasure trove. Its buildings run the range of St. Louis vernacular versions of classical and Second Empire styles, while displaying a long transition from late nineteenth-century construction to mid-20th. Its oldest extant buildings date from the Civil War era. One such house stands next door to residences built in the past decade. Russell Boulevard alone, the neighborhood’s central thoroughfare, contains this stylistic transition. In fact, Russell all the way from Soulard out to the Botanical Garden is a great microcosm of historic St. Louis architecture.Â
Fox Park is an exceptional architectural treasure trove. Its buildings run the range of St. Louis vernacular versions of classical and Second Empire styles, while displaying a long transition from late nineteenth-century construction to mid-20th. Its oldest extant buildings date from the Civil War era. One such house stands next door to residences built in the past decade. Russell Boulevard alone, the neighborhood’s central thoroughfare, contains this stylistic transition. In fact, Russell all the way from Soulard out to the Botanical Garden is a great microcosm of historic St. Louis architecture.
Anyone remember when Prez Bill Clinton visited St Louis in the ’90s? He made his appearance here at Fox Park but first he walked through the neighborhood (this neighborhood recieved Weed -N- Seed funding under the Clinton administration). Although I was lucky enough to have a ticket allowing me to be on the field to see the Prez, I was impatient (and not a Clinton fan-anyway) and left before the Prez had arrived. However, while leaving walking north on California I came within a few hundred feet of President Clinton and his entourage walking west on Armand. Of course, I had to stop and see the Prez walk past (I wouldn’t have been this close if I’d stayed at the park). I was standing near a girl (about 10-11) also standing, watching with a boy that must’ve been her little brother (about 5-6). She was beaming and blurted out “THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!”. I was more excited for her than for myself. Afterall, not every little girl can tell the story about the day the President walked down her street. I know, this is off-topic – but I love to tell this story, too!  Â
Anyone remember when Prez Bill Clinton visited St Louis in the ’90s? He made his appearance here at Fox Park but first he walked through the neighborhood (this neighborhood recieved Weed -N- Seed funding under the Clinton administration). Although I was lucky enough to have a ticket allowing me to be on the field to see the Prez, I was impatient (and not a Clinton fan-anyway) and left before the Prez had arrived. However, while leaving walking north on California I came within a few hundred feet of President Clinton and his entourage walking west on Armand. Of course, I had to stop and see the Prez walk past (I wouldn’t have been this close if I’d stayed at the park). I was standing near a girl (about 10-11) also standing, watching with a boy that must’ve been her little brother (about 5-6). She was beaming and blurted out “THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!”. I was more excited for her than for myself. Afterall, not every little girl can tell the story about the day the President walked down her street. I know, this is off-topic – but I love to tell this story, too!