We first told you about the plan to update the Old Chain of Rocks site on Riverview Drive back in our September/October 2019 issue. The project is being spearheaded by Great Rivers Greenway, with the input of stakeholders and community members. Priorities for the improved site include security, natural features, and amenities for daily use.

Great Rivers Greenway recently released a summary of intermediate plans, which included a conceptual design that shows many of the proposed features. These include a new fence and gated entrance, permeable-pavement parking lot with lighting, restored wetlands and woodlands, a reconstructed prairie, rain gardens, nature trail, event lawn, and picnic area with shelter and portable restroom.

The final site design will be created this summer. Fundraising is ongoing, with construction beginning once the estimated $4 million cost is raised. Construction will last approximately 10 to 12 months.

If you want to find out more about donating to the Great Rivers Greenway Foundation to support greenway projects around the region, visit greatriversgreenway.org/support.

UPDATE 8/12/21: The Mississippi Greenway: Old Chain of Rocks was one of 19 nationwide projects selected today to receive funding from the National Park Service through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. This $990,000 award will be used to add security features, habitat restoration, nature-based stormwater management, and amenities for daily use and special events to this historic site.

Thank you for your continued support for this project! Since 2019, community members and technical advisors have helped to create a new vision for this site and have been guiding the design process for the improvements to the site. Your input has helped to identify priorities for site security, programming and events, and natural resource conservation.