Mississippi River Greenway Study

Great Rivers Greenway is developing a system of greenways, parks and trails throughout the St. Louis region, known as The River Ring. When completed, The River Ring will consist of hundreds of miles of trails connecting to recreational areas in St. Louis County and Madison and St. Clair counties, Illinois.

The Mississippi River Greenway is one component of The River Ring. Oates served as lead planner and studied the 8 mile southern section, which stretches from the Arch in Downtown St. Louis to the River des Peres.

Oates Associates analyzed the existing conditions affecting the greenway and identified both off-street trail and on-street connections along the corridor. A clear vision of the greenway was created and short-term and long-term “SEED” projects were identified to further the development of The River Ring.

A portion of the Mississippi River Greenway Plan’s Bluffs Segment, extending south from the First Street/ Gasconade Street intersection to the connection to Bellerive and Sister Marie Charles Parks at Dover Street, the Bluff Loop, was designated as a SEED project. Oates provided conceptual development of this SEED project.