The Return of the Rink is Only the Beginning

This winter, we’ll enjoy ice skating in Forest Park once again! But the ongoing construction of the Glade on the Park’s east end is so much more than a beautiful and award-winning renovation of Steinberg Rink. The project is transforming a less-visited area and a limited-use ice rink into a multipurpose attraction that will blend seamlessly into the natural features surrounding it. Designed to harmonize with existing waterways, prairies and woodlands, the Glade will offer 22.5 acres of year-round opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

The Glade is the latest chapter in Forest Park’s comeback story, which began 40 years ago when a group of determined friends came together to save it from further deterioration. Since then, Forest Park Forever has partnered with the City of St. Louis to restore, maintain and continually improve what is now seen as the best city park in the country.

A Place for Everyone in Every Season

Skaters. Cyclists. Diners. Nature enthusiasts. First-time visitors. Explorers of every age. The Glade will have something for everyone. It’s the only place in the region that will offer ice skating in winter, roller skating and water play in summer and live music, markets, festivals and other community-centered events all year long.

After years of gathering community input and thoughtfully planning, we’re turning the dream of a year-round, dynamic destination in Forest Park into reality.

Imagine Historic Steinberg Rink in an Expansive New Setting

Etta Steinberg’s idea for the rink started with bringing people together. And this vision has inspired the reimagined eastern end of Forest Park. The Glade is designed to foster connections while immersing visitors in nature, right in the heart of the City. By the end of this year, our community will create cherished winter memories of ice skating at Steinberg Rink again, as we have for generations. We’ll also have access to all-new features, amenities and spaces, including the Kemper Family Commons and Farr Family Lawn Terrace.

Kemper Family Commons

The Kemper Family Commons will be the heart of the renovated facility. Once simply a spot to lace up skates, it will now be a hub of activity and comfortable space made for lingering. The Commons is where visitors will shake off the cold in winter, beat the heat in summer and fuel up for their Forest Park adventures in all seasons. It will be an end point and an entryway to a completely reimagined Forest Park experience.

We’re grateful to the William T. Kemper Family Foundation for committing a lead gift that’s helping bring our vision to life. “We know the opportunity here is so much bigger than restoring a historic building and ice rink,” says John Kemper, reflecting on his family’s enthusiastic support for the Glade. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rethink the east end of Forest Park, how it ties to the surrounding neighborhoods and what it can do for our community. Just as Forest Park Forever and the City reimagined other features in Forest Park that people now see as signature elements of St. Louis — places like Art Hill, the Jewel Box, the Boathouse — we’re doing that here.”

Farr Family Lawn Terrace

The Farr Family Lawn Terrace will be a multipurpose outdoor space at the Glade, designed to allow Park visitors to lounge in a comfortable seating area while keeping an eye on the action. The visually striking but minimalist shade structure that spans the length of Steinberg Rink’s west side will provide open and airy protection from the summer sun and serve as a cozy covered space with fire pits in cooler months.

David and Lelia Farr, long-time champions of Forest Park and supporters of Forest Park Forever, have committed a generous lead gift to ensure the Glade is the vibrant, family-friendly destination we’ve envisioned. As a non-native St. Louisan, David Farr appreciates the benefits of a shared community treasure like Forest Park, with its unique collection of world-class cultural institutions and accessible spaces for nature and recreation. And as the former CEO of Emerson, he knows how the Park attracts talent to St. Louis and makes it a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“Lelia and I are honored to support the Imagine the Glade campaign,” says Farr. “We can’t wait to see families gather on the terrace lawn to play games before or after skating or just to watch activity on the rink. We are excited that the Glade will provide something new to families who already love this place and encourage even more people to experience all Forest Park has to offer.”

You Can Help Support All of Forest Park!

As the nonprofit conservancy that maintains Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever employs experts in land management, ecology, conservation, park operations, community engagement, education and visitor services. There’s lots of work to be done and many ways you can get involved!

Tiffany Webb