ST. LOUIS, MO Great Rivers Greenway is partnering with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the city of Wellston, Missouri, to transform a vacant lot at the corner of Skinker and Etzel into a vibrant community park. The project is part of NRPA's Parks Build Community initiative, which aims to demonstrate the transformative value of parks and recreation on communities across the country. Plans are underway for the new Trojan Park, named after the former high school in Wellston, and the park will open on Oct. 8, 2016, during NRPA's Annual Conference. With contributions from national vendors and local companies alike, this partnership aims to create a safe place for families to gather and play.

The site chosen for next year's Parks Build Community project is located along the St. Vincent Greenway, a seven-mile urban paved greenway that will connect regional hub Forest Park to multiple transit stops and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The ultimate goal is to create a dynamic gathering space that transforms the local community and is embraced and treasured by residents for years to come. NRPA will work with its national partners and suppliers to provide equipment donations for the site, based on input from Wellston residents ranging from a multi-sport court (including full-court basketball), playgrounds for all ages, a pavilion for family reunions or movie nights, and a splashpad for summer fun. Donors are even contributing lighting, benches, trash cans and bike racks.

"The city of Wellston is thrilled for the opportunity to establish a new park," said Mayor Nathaniel Griffin. "We want to do everything we can to give kids a great place to play and our whole community a space to come together."

The city of Wellston and Great Rivers Greenway are coordinating with the local community to bring this park to life. Nonprofit partner Beyond Housing is donating their services to engage residents, ensuring this park directly reflects community priorities. Forum Studio, David Mason and Associates, Kozeny-Wagner, Inc., Lochmueller Group, EFK Moen, LLC and Geotechnology, Inc. have all contributed in-kind gifts to supplement the design, engineering, pre-construction and construction management services, signal modification, surveying and subsurface exploration, respectfully. SWT Design is donating a maintenance plan and St. Louis County Parks is contributing operations and maintenance once the park is built, in partnership with Wellston. Great Rivers Greenway is coordinating the project and funding site preparation.

"We are so grateful to the local and national vendors who have stepped up to bring a very deserving community the transformative benefits that a local park can provide," said Susan Trautman, Executive Director of Great Rivers Greenway.

Trojan Park represents the sixth Parks Build Community project aligned with the NRPA Annual Conference. The St. Vincent Greenway is part of the regional network of greenways that Great Rivers Greenway is creating to connect people to their rivers, parks and communities.