ST. LOUIS — The $100 million transformation of the Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park is underway as a ceremonial groundbreaking took place Wednesday.
Dubbed “The Glade,” it will include a restaurant overlooking the park, a rooftop terrace, an interactive cascade and water feature, a community lawn, an indoor community living room, free Wi-Fi, rental rooms, a restored rink for ice and roller skating, ADA accessible paths, landscaping and more.
“Steinberg Rink is going to be better than it's ever been, with the full 22.5 acres of the glade, offering amenities and experiences like we have never seen,” said Greg Hayes, St. Louis City’s director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry.
Hayes said the Steinberg Rink is the final area in the park to receive major reconstruction.
Between 2019-2024, more than 6,000 St. Louis-area residents contributed their thoughts and feedback of what The Glade should be during all four seasons.
“The vision for The Glade is a long time in the making, shaped by community engagement across Saint Louis,” said Lesley Hoffarth, president and executive director of Forest Park Forever.
She touched upon the various ways the community can use the new space, such as hosting performances, children playdates, studying, group meetings, a place to relax and more.
More than 60% of the fundraising goal has been raised with efforts continuing through the reopening of the site.
The project is a public-private partnership with St. Louis City and Forest Park Forever.
“I'm confident this project will make the park an even better asset for our city and this Saint Louis region as a whole,” Mayor Cara Spencer said.
Construction will span over 20 months with a reopening date for the fall of 2026.