For those seeking a slice of tranquility amidst the urban sprawl, the City of Webster Groves heralds Lorraine Davis Park as the newest patch of green to grace the Deer Creek Greenway. Nestled at the crossroads of Waymire Avenue and Thornton Avenue, this park might look like a simple linear stretch from the outside, but according to the City of Webster Groves recent social media post, it holds more than meets the eye. The park beckons the eco-friendly and the leisurely stroller alike with its sustainable features and homage to local heritage.
Decked out with a bioretention pond teeming with Missouri native plantings and a restored riparian corridor for stormwater savvy, Lorraine Davis Park wears its eco-credentials on its sleeve. Joined by a pedestrian bridge and a cozy gazebo, visitors can gaze upon the confluence of Shady Creek and Deer Creek or take a breather from walking the Great Rivers Greenway multi-use trail. But don't let the pond fool you, it's not just there to look pretty; it plays a pivotal role in the grander scheme of managing stormwater, a feature that is ingeniously integrated into the park's landscape.
The park isn't just another pretty green space; it's also a nod to a figure of local pride. Acquired by the City of Webster Groves in the dusty year of 1962, the five-acre tract bears the name of Lorraine Davis, a name once echoed down the halls of Douglass High School as she taught English and Latin. Davis wasn't only shaping young minds; she was also a stalwart in the community, engaging in volunteer work and leading civic projects. As the City of Webster Groves noted, Davis was a standout member of the O.D.T. "Our Day Together" Club, known for its scholarship programs and pushing neighborhood beautification. Davis was steering the community long before steering committees were a thing.
While Lorraine Davis Park may serve as a sanctuary from the fast-paced outside world, it also stands as a lasting tribute to its namesake, who, after all, was a cornerstone in the education and upliftment of African American students in St. Louis County during an era of segregation. Davis's legacy carries on as nature and remembrance intertwine at the intersection of Waymire and Thornton. With the gentle babble of the confluencing creeks as background noise, visitors are invited to reflect not only on the park's beauty but the enduring spirit of Lorraine Davis. Whether you're in it for the flora, the fauna, or the footpath, this park offers a bit of reprieve and education to anyone willing to stop by.
For the full lowdown on Lorraine Davis Park and its rich backstory, tip your cap to the City of Webster Groves and head over to their social media post, or take a scenic detour to the Great Rivers Greenway website.
