The open house will feature food trucks, free roller skating and skate use, live music, a deejay and activities that could be part of “Steinberg Reimagined.” “This open house gives all of us an opportunity to experience the potential of a year-round Steinberg,” said Lesley Hoffarth, President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “The live music, games, roller skating and other activities at the open house are the result of ongoing and extensive public engagement we began last year. Over 3,300 people from across the region have filled out comment forms, telling us what they want to see and experience at Steinberg Reimagined,” said Hoffarth. “It will be exciting to see some of their choices in-person at the open house.”
For the first time, conceptual renderings for Steinberg Reimagined will be on display to provide visitors a sense of the possible activities for Steinberg’s future and to spark visitor input at the open house. “Steinberg Rink and Pavilion belong to all of us,” said Mayor Tishaura Jones. “It’s important that as many people as possible come out to look at the renderings while enjoying the free activities and food. We are also asking everyone to provide feedback on their experience because public engagement is integral to the success of this project.”
Opened in 1957, Steinberg Rink and Pavilion are in need of major upgrades, and the opportunity to reimagine it is inspired by the Forest Park Master Plan, which was approved by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen in 1995. The Master Plan has guided the restoration of the Park and launch of major capital projects for the past two and a half decades. It calls for Steinberg “to operate as an all-season, lighted . . . recreation support facility.” The project has four major components: Steinberg Pavilion, the skating surface, the adjacent landscape and the types of activities Steinberg Reimagined will provide.
“Although we are still in the preliminary stages of transforming Steinberg, I’m excited about the progress we’ve made and the input we’ve received from the community,” said Greg Hayes, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry for the City of St. Louis. “This event will showcase what we can offer at Steinberg year-round, and there will be a wide range of options for people to choose from.”
The Steinberg Pavilion and Rink opened in November 1957 thanks to a donation from the Steinberg Charitable Trust. It is believed to be one of the first racially integrated public venues in St. Louis. The facility, located in the eastern section of Forest Park, hosts ice skating from mid-November through February. For information on hours, visit www.steinbergrink.com