Forest Park Dual Path System to Provide

Complete Loop Around Park

Mary Ann Lee and The Crawford Taylor Foundation Make Path System Possible with Generous Donation

ST. LOUIS – Visitors of Forest Park will soon be able to enjoy the convenience and recreational benefits of a complete “Wheels and Heels” dual path system around the Park, thanks to the generous $3 million donation of Mary Ann Lee and The Crawford Taylor Foundation.

Together, Lee and her granddaughters, Kelly Taylor, Patty Taylor, Chrissy Broughton, Carolyn Kindle and Ali Kindle, who represent The Crawford Taylor Foundation, have pledged $1.5 million to construct the remaining portion of the dual path system that loops the Park with an additional $1.5 million in endowment funds for the ongoing maintenance of the path. This portion of the dual path system, scheduled for completion in mid-November, will extend from Steinberg Skating Rink, around Jefferson Lake, east of the Planetarium, around Boeing Aviation Field and connect with the dual path currently under construction in conjunction with the Zoo south parking lot.

“Forest Park is one of our community’s greatest treasures, and we are delighted to play a role in its continued revitalization,” Lee and her granddaughters say. “We believe the path will have an important, positive impact on park usage and access, as well as continue to promote healthy, active living in our region.”

The dual path system will double the capacity of the path around the park, creating a complete loop of hard and soft paths that will be safer and more enjoyable for visitors “on heels or on wheels,” according to Forest Park Forever Executive Director Lesley Hoffarth. “The recreational path system is one of Forest Park’s most well-used amenities, and these extremely generous gifts will enable us to construct and maintain both the hard and soft surface paths for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, skaters and others,” Hoffarth says. “Many people are excited that the wait is over, and construction is underway.”

Forest Park Forever is inviting the entire community to attend a Public Meeting to learn more about the dual path construction and to participate in discussions about future dual path amenities on Thursday, July 29 from 7-9 p.m. at the Forest Park Visitor Center. All are welcome. For more information, visit www.forestparkforever.org.