The Event, which will include a 2,016-foot-long community picnic table and fireworks display, will kick off season of events for residents and tourists
Few construction projects get feted with a giant picnic, but BSI Constructors transformation of the St. Louis riverfront by the Arch is one of them. Great Rivers Greenway, the City of St. Louis, CityArchRiver Foundation and other partners are going to celebrate the completion of the project on Thursday, June 2, St. Louis’ largest ever community picnic, complete with a 2,016-foot long table with chairs.
The picnic is open to the public. The official ribbon cutting on June 2 will begin at 5 p.m. on the overlook stage along Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard. Afterward, attendees can explore the nearby Mississippi Greenway, enjoy local music and educational activities for kids and purchase dinner from food trucks and other vendors. People are also welcome to bring their own picnic meal. An interfaith blessing will kick off dinner at 6:15 p.m., followed by an aerial photo of all the picnickers. The event will end with a brief fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.
The renovation of the 1.5-mile stretch of riverfront includes the recently rebuilt Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and extension of the Mississippi Greenway from the Biddle Street Trailhead south to Chouteau Avenue, with protected walking and biking paths. The entire riverfront was elevated an average of almost two feet to limit flooding, returning more days of the year back to the community for walking, riding bikes, sightseeing and special events. While the historic elements were preserved, such as the cobblestones lining the levee; new amenities such as benches, bike racks, lights, power outlets and a street-level stage will make the space more inviting for events and programs.
The construction, which is wrapping up, is on track to meet or exceed minority participation goals with 32 percent participation by minority-owned business enterprises and 19 percent participation by women-owned business enterprises. Fifty-one percent of construction contracts were awarded to disadvantaged business enterprises. Workforce participation is also on track to meet the goal of 14.7 percent minority workers.
“The riverfront is a place where everyone is welcome, and it was important that the construction of the project reflect that, too,” said Carey Bundy, Project Manager for Great Rivers Greenway.