With its mature vegetation and rock outcrops, the 42-acre site of Blackburn Park served the City of Webster Groves as a community resource and neighborhood park even with a significant portion of its facilities worn out and past their useful life. Using input and direction provided during an extensive public participation process, a final improvement plan and construction documents were successfully prepared and implemented. Great effort was taken during design and construction to ensure protection of existing facilities and trees. A key component of the project included the renovation of an existing pavilion which set the architectural theme for new pavilions and comfort stations.

Built in the 1960’s, Larson Park had exceeded its life expectancy. Long-suffering from neglect, vandalism, deferred maintenance, and dated design, the park required extensive updates and renovation. The planning and design team developed and implemented a master plan utilizing a theme of honoring a local entomologist, including a butterfly shaped playground, custom designed playground equipment incorporating the insect theme, and custom designed facade elements on the comfort station walls.

The project management, park planning and design for these projects were provided by PDS staff while employees of Parsons, the design firm of record.