Benton Park - STL City Park Review

For an experience of history, checkout Benton Park located on Jefferson at Arsenal in Saint Louis Missouri.

Originally part of the "St. Louis Commons", then a cemetery, in the late 1800's Saint Louis designated this area as "Benton Park" named after Thomas Hart Benton.  At the turn of the century this park was alive with residents.  All but one original pond is still in use.  Due to the fact that this Park sits on top of an elaborate cave system, utilized by the original beer manufacturers before refrigeration, the ponds were subject to leaking and draining virtually overnight.  One pond could not have the leaking stopped.  This area is a natural concave space that makes a perfect amphitheatre.

 There have been several "renovations" with the last occurring in the early 1980's, the Park area still is a pleasant area to stroll and enjoy the views.  There is a master plan in place with the collaboration of Benton Park Neighborhood, Benton Park West Neighborhood, the Alderman and City to restore the Park to as close to the original glory as possible.  The modifications which are planned will accentuate the historic aspect of the park, as well as, creating infrastructure for "today's living".