St. Louis County Government: Federal Grants Would Transform Kinloch Park Into Community Centerpiece

Press release from the St. Louis County Government:

February 21, 2022

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO - Two federal grants have been applied for that would fundamentally change Kinloch Park and make it the centerpiece of the North County community.

At last week’s meeting, the County Council passed a resolution in support of the St. Louis County Parks Foundation's grant application for $250,000 in federal funding from the Recreation Trails Program for improvements to Kinloch Park.

In addition, St. Louis County has applied for a $500,000 federal grant that will be matched by local funds if awarded.

The Department of Parks and Recreation’s master plan, completed in 2018, calls for the replacement of all amenities in Kinloch Park.

“We must preserve our history by giving it a bright future. Kinloch was the first town in Missouri to be incorporated by African Americans,” said County Executive Dr. Sam Page. “We need to make sure we are investing and reinvesting in all our neighborhoods, including those that have fallen on hard times with population declines, poverty and crime.”

With the new funding, the County will be able to complete significant renovations to the park including a new playground, shelter, basketball courts, athletic fields for football and soccer and a half-mile walking trail around the park perimeter.

“Creating a centerpiece for the area brings pride to a community, interest from outside developers and a safe place for families to come together,” Page said.

This press release was produced by the St. Louis County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.