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Ribbon Cutting For Sunset Park Trail Project Planned on Oct. 13
New Sunset Park trail. Jane Banaszek photo
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sunset Greenway Trail Project will be held on Wednesday Oct. 13, at 2 p.m., at the Behlmann/Zykan Nature Lodge in Sunset Park, Mayor Robert Lowery Sr. has announced.
The event celebrates both the existing trail from Sunset Park to Old Town Florissant and the newly completed trail connection that continues from the entry level of Sunset Park downward and parallels the Missouri River. Golf carts will be available after for those wanting to tour the greenway.
Construction on the first of three phases of the trail in the greenway began in August, 2005. The 2.5-mile project mostly followed an AmerenUE property from Sunset Park to Patterson Road, and then along Patterson Road to Mullanphy Road, where the trail was built over an existing sidewalk leading into St. Ferdinand Park. That trail has been in use since summer, 2006, and features beds of flowering shrubbery and perennials in addition two shade structures with benches and water fountains.
A second .5-mile phase continued southward, descending under North Lindbergh Boulevard adjacent to Coldwater Creek, and emerging to a terminus behind the Old Town Partners building at 601 rue St. Charles near the St. Ferdinand Shrine. A new gazebo and walkway with patio leading to the rear of the Old Town Partners building form a unified trailhead with a strong sense of place.
The new trail along the Missouri River was envisioned as part of the Missouri River Greenway Plan. About .6-mile in length, the new trail offers spectacular views of the river and varies in character giving travelers an adventurous direct access to the river.
As the name implies, sunset in the park overlooking the river offers vibrant beauty, especially in the winter season. The Florissant Parks Foundation, working closely with the City of Florissant, recently constructed a nature lodge positioned with windows that optimize the river views.
Mayor Lowery stated: “We have been working with Great Rivers Greenway since 2001 to provide our residents with access to a trail system. The vision of connecting ultimately to great recreational amenities such as the Katy Trail and Forest Park is inspirational for the citizens of Florissant.” Lowery continued, “It’s been hard work, but North County’s enjoyment of the trail has exceeded our expectations.”
“The Behlmann/Zykan Nature Lodge is an educational and recreational facility that greatly complements the nearby trail,” said Susan Trautman, Great Rivers Greenway executive director. “The cooperation of the City of Florissant, under the leadership of Mayor Lowery, has been indispensable in bringing this greenway to fruition.”
Lowery added “We want to work in concert with Great Rivers Greenway representatives in order that the residents of Florissant receive the largest return for their federal and state tax dollars.”
The Public Works Department, Engineering Division, is responsible for assuring the quality of all infrastructure projects within the City through design and construction.
For any questions regarding the city’s coordination with The Great Rivers Greenway District contact Mayor Lowery’s office at 314-839-7601.
