Jerrod KingeryThe City of St. Louis and the nonprofit conservancy Forest Park Forever have unveiled a plan to revitalize an outdoor ice skating rink and the surrounding area.
Steinberg Rink, approaching its 70th year, is in need of significant repairs and modernization. This plan introduces a world-class design to restore the rink and reimagine the surrounding 22.5-acre area as The Glade, transforming it from a winter-centric facility into a vibrant all-season destination.
A fundraising campaign called “Imagine the Glade” raised $100 million to fund extensive repairs to the Steinberg Rink building. This includes completely replacing the ice refrigeration system and HVAC. The building also has frequent rooftop leaks, and the terrace is not functional as intended.
The Forest Park Master Plan, approved by the City of St. Louis in 1995, set a vision for year-round recreational amenities in the park. This goal was addressed in a feasibility study in 2018, which led to an amendment to the master plan to create a cohesive space that knits together built and natural environments around the site.
Alongside the rink’s modernization, park leaders and supporters focused on creating The Glade, a 22.5-acre space stretching east to west from Kingshighway to the newly extended Taylor Kindle River and north to south from Klein Prairie to the recently improved Jefferson Lake. The design blends indoor and outdoor spaces, active and passive recreation, permanent structures and lush green landscapes inviting visitors to experience Forest Park’s unique harmony of nature and built environments for relaxation and enjoyment.
Construction on the project is expected to begin in March 2025, with the rink reopening for ice skating in fall 2026.
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Rendering courtesy Forest Park Forever
