Webster Groves staff recommend Memorial Park for proposed performance park; council OKs design work
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Summary
City staff recommended siting a new performance park at Memorial Park after surveys and stakeholder meetings; council authorized moving ahead with design and detailed cost estimates, while members raised concerns about parking, accessibility and spreading upgrades across smaller parks.
City staff and consultants recommended placing a proposed performance park and rentable pavilion at Memorial Park and the council agreed to move ahead with design and detailed cost estimates.
Planning consultants from Planning & Design Studio told the council the outreach program included two public meetings and two surveys (308 and 300 responses) along with stakeholder meetings. Respondents were split on site selection: about 33% favored Memorial, roughly 30% favored Blackburn and about 35% preferred spreading improvements across multiple parks. Staff said Memorial offers the best long-term fit for a larger venue because of parking capacity, proximity to the recreation campus and opportunities to add restrooms and a small concession stand.
Consultants described an early concept that places a half-pavilion/half-stage near the soccer fields, repurposes existing batting cages, and uses Ambrose Way for event access and food trucks; consultants noted Ambrose Way can be closed for events, as it is for the Fourth of July. Portable, breakaway fencing was proposed so field play could continue when events are not scheduled.
Cost estimates presented to the council showed a Memorial-specific project price “around $1,700,000” including contingencies; presenters also referenced a separate estimate of $2,500,000. Council members and presenters discussed musician preferences for bringing their own amplification, the desirability of built-in lighting attachment points, and whether to invest in a single large venue or spread smaller upgrades (for example, electrical outlets or lighting) across many parks.
Council members asked about logistics including impacts on parking during concurrent sporting events, accessibility for older residents, coordination with school parking, and scheduling to avoid conflicts with seasonal sports. Staff said rental scheduling would be handled through the city’s CivicRec system and that most larger events would be planned well in advance.
Mayor Laura Arnold asked whether anyone objected to formalizing plans and getting specific cost estimates; no objections were raised and the council directed staff to proceed to further design and refined cost estimating.
What’s next: staff will proceed to more detailed design work and return to council with specific cost estimates and schedule before any construction, and no final appropriation or contract was approved at this meeting.