Riverfront Park to close permanently as double-decker bridge comes down.

A significant change to Saint Joseph’s landscape will permanently close Riverfront Park, a beloved community landmark, as part of the demolition of the double-decker bridge.

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According to a recently released environmental impact study, the land currently comprising Riverfront Park is considered to have “lacked importance” for the area. Despite the park’s rich history, dating back to the 1980s when it was home to the original riverboat landing, the space will be repurposed for the new at-grade highway.

I-229 Bridge Above Riverfront Park and Trail: The I-229 Bridge towers over Riverfront Park, soon to be destroyed, leaving the park’s future uncertain. The trails and green spaces below are set to be lost, as plans to demolish the area loom ahead.

Houston Wyeth Park will remain unaffected by the project, and efforts will be made to preserve the trail system, with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) working to keep those trails open during construction.

Regarding future developments, the federal grant funds provided to Saint Joseph Parks through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service must now be used for recreational purposes elsewhere in the city. Plans are already underway to relocate Riverfront Park to a new location at the northern end of Saint Joseph.

The Trail Facing North: The trail stretches northward, winding through lush greenery and offering stunning views along the way. The path invites exploration and adventure, leading to new horizons.

Over the years, the park has struggled. Vandalism and safety concerns led to the demolition of several structures, including a concessions building, and restrooms leaving the park in a state of disrepair.

Chuck Kempf, Saint Joseph Parks and Recreation Director said,

“Riverfront Park was almost completely demolished because of vandalism. A few years ago, we went in because it was becoming unsafe, very unsightly, and we just went ahead and finished the process to eliminate that.”

The park has continued to experience ongoing vandalism, as the absence of a 24-hour on-site presence has left the space vulnerable to damage and misuse.

Environmental concerns have also been raised regarding the impact of these changes on local wildlife. The preservation of habitats is a priority for city officials. In fact, if the city’s trail extension project receives approval, an environmental review will ensure that wildlife and their habitats are protected.

The Trail Facing South, Into the City: The trail winds southward, leading directly into the heart of the city. As it nears the urban landscape, the path offers a transition from nature to the bustling streets beyond.

Chuck Kempf said, “It is concerning when you lose park space. You never like to go backward. I think it’s a good effort to try and maintain something there whether it’s a smaller park area, or the trail running adjacent to the highway. It’s important to everybody to maintain that.”

As the demolition and relocation plans unfold, the community will continue to have a voice in how the changes are implemented. While Riverfront Park’s closure marks the end of an era, the relocation and preservation efforts will provide a new opportunity for Saint Joseph to build on its history while adapting to future needs.

More updates will follow as the project progresses.