2026 Fairground Park Master Plan Public Meeting No. 1

On September 25, Fairground Park For All and KAI Enterprises hosted the initial public meeting for the Fairground Park master plan. Planning Design Studio supported the event by presenting potential enhancements and facilitating the collection of community input, ensuring that resident perspectives will play a key role in shaping the park’s future improvements.

Fairground Park, located in North St. Louis, has a complex history dating back to the mid-19th century. Originally established in 1856 as the site of the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Fair, the grounds held exhibitions and community gatherings for decades. In 1908, the City of St. Louis purchased the land, transforming it into one of the city’s first large public parks. The park features a picturesque lake, historic bridge, and recreational amenities that have made it a community landmark.

Over the years, Fairground Park has experienced a significant decline, with many of its once-vibrant amenities falling into disrepair and becoming underused. Facilities such as the skating rink, sports courts, community pavilion, pool, and playground—once key amenities to the neighborhood—now reflect the park’s need for renewed investment and care. In response, the organization Fairground Park For All was formed with a shared commitment to revitalize this historic public space. The organization enlisted KAI and PDS to work with the community to develop a new master plan that meets the needs of the current neighborhood, while still honoring the site's cultural and historical significance.

The 2026 Fairground Park Master Plan will serve as a roadmap for revitalizing the park, helping city leaders and community members decide where investments should be made. It will identify which existing amenities need updates or repairs, while also creating opportunities for fresh ideas. Should the park add new gathering spaces, fitness areas, or nature-based play zones? Are there ways to better connect trails, make the park more welcoming for all ages, or create more vibrant places for events? By blending community input with thoughtful design, the master plan will ensure the park once again becomes a thriving hub of activity.

In conclusion, the project team wants to give thanks to everyone who took the time to attend the first public meeting. Your participation will help tremendously with the development of this master plan. If you weren’t able to attend, you can view the full presentation and complete a short survey at the link below:

https://sites.google.com/view/fairgroundparkmp/public-meeting-no-1

To stay updated on upcoming public meetings and other community events where you can engage with the project team and learn more about the organization leading this effort, please visit Fairground Park For All’s website.

https://www.fairgroundparkforall.org/