Bottomland trees (e.g. Sycamore, Elm) in Greentree Park, near proposed bridge. GRG describes trail (far-right) as; “Travels through the riparian forest along the Meramec River. This wooded area helps to control sediment in water, reduce damaging effects of flood and prevents riverbank erosion and provides food, shelter and water for diverse wildlife.” Why build here?
By Don Corrigan
A proposal to link Kirkwood’s Greentree Park and St. Louis County’s Unger Park is in its exploratory phase – with a formal public campaign set for this fall. However, the idea already is facing opposition.
Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) is conducting a feasibility study for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that would connect the two parks. It also would tie together a trail network that runs along either side of the Meramec River.
“Rivers are a barrier, obviously, so this is an opportunity for people to connect across a major waterway,” said Great Rivers Greenway’s Emma Klues.
“In our studies and our surveys, people tell us they want us to work on these kinds of opportunities,” said Klues, vice president of communications and outreach for GRG. “They want these connections.”
Great Rivers Greenway representatives have been in communication with affected communities in the trail areas within their borders. According to Kirkwood Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Henke, the city has been contacted as Greentree Park is a Kirkwood Park.
The possibility of such a Meramec River Bridge was first evaluated during a flood study of Unger Park, which itself is now being redeveloped by GRG in partnership with St. Louis County.
Opponents Decry Plan
Among those opposing the GRG bridge plan are environmentalists like Linda Fenton of Kirkwood and Scott George of Jefferson County. George and Fenton note that the increasingly violent floods in the area are problematic.
Higher flood waters in the Meramec, and torrents that rip away the shore land, make a new bridge dicey – and costly, according to these area residents. There is no shortage of evidence of river bank erosion.
“The Meramec River requires ever wider channels and riparian zones to handle the ever-increasing frequency and magnitude of floods,” said George. “These are being caused by urban land use and climate changes.
Greentree Park pavilion destroyed by spring 2025 floods.
“Any structure built to withstand these mega-floods will need to be massive and expensive, with piers to bedrock, large riprap, diversion structures and more,” said George. “ADA compliance will require low-slope ramps on both sides of river, and they also will require protection.”
Fenton of Kirkwood also mentioned the flooding issue. Damage to structures at Greentree, Emmenegger, and Minnie Ha Ha parks along the Meramec River this past fall and spring has alarmed park officials at those sites.
Environmental Echo 