Fairground Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fairground Park |
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Fairground Park lake bridge
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 131 acres (53 ha) |
| Created | 1908 (as fairgrounds 1856) |
| Operated by | St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry |
| Status | Open |
| Website | stlouis-mo.gov |
Fairground Park is a large public park in St. Louis, Missouri. It first opened in 1908. Before it became a park, this land was a private area. It was used for a big event called the Saint Louis Exposition from 1856 to 1902.
During the American Civil War, the fairgrounds had a different purpose. It became a Union Army camp known as Benton Barracks. The yearly fair stopped in 1902. This was because St. Louis was getting ready for the huge 1904 World's Fair.
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History of Fairground Park
Fairground Park has a long and interesting past. It started as a place for agricultural fairs. Later, it became a famous spot for horse racing. Finally, it was turned into the beautiful park we see today.
From Fairgrounds to Race Track
The land for Fairground Park was first used in 1856. It was home to the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Association. This group held the popular St. Louis Exposition here.
In the early 1880s, the original association faced tough times. A new group, the St. Louis Fair and Jockey Club, took over. This new club focused more on horse racing.
Later, in 1901, some important people bought the fairgrounds. These owners also ran another big race track nearby. They hoped to make the fairgrounds a top racing spot again.
Horse Racing Ends
However, horse racing at the fairgrounds did not last long. In June 1905, a new law changed everything. The state of Missouri decided to stop gambling on horse races.
The governor at the time, Joseph W. Folk, was elected in 1904. He was a reformer who wanted to end gambling. He signed a law that closed the St. Louis Fairground Track for good.
Becoming a Public Park
After the race track closed, the large 132-acre area was empty. After many discussions, the city of St. Louis bought the land in 1908. They paid $700,000 to turn it into a park.
The park was officially opened on October 9, 1909. Most of the old fair buildings were taken down. Only the bear pits from the old zoo and an amphitheater remained.
In 1912, the amphitheater was removed. In its place, the city built a huge swimming pool. It was said to be the biggest in the world at that time.
Changes and Challenges
This large pool became a place for important history. In 1949, a conflict happened when the pool began allowing both African-Americans and Caucasian-Americans to swim together. This event was part of the wider movement for equal rights.
The original pool was replaced in 1958 with a new one. This new project also added lighted baseball fields and hard-surface tennis courts.
Today, you can still see parts of the past. At the corner of Grand Boulevard and Natural Bridge Avenue, the old facade of the bear pits still stands. It marks the park's main entrance.
Park Location
Fairground Park is located in North St. Louis. It is easy to find, bordered by several main streets.
Borders and Nearby Areas
The park is surrounded by Grand Boulevard to the east. Natural Bridge Avenue is to the south. Fair Street is on the west side. Kossuth Street runs along the north.
Four different neighborhoods are right next to the park. These include Fairground to the northeast and O'Fallon to the northwest. To the southwest is Greater Ville, and Vandeventer is to the southeast.
Images for kids
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Fairgrounds Park Bear Pits.jpg
Facade of the old bear pits
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St Louis Fairground Park Entrance, 1913
