By Bill Raack, St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis, MO – Those who exercise in Forest Park are looking forward to mid-November. That's when work will be finished on the dual hard and soft paths that ring the park.
Mary Ann Lee and the Crawford Taylor Foundation announced a combined $3 million gift recently to pay for the completion of the dual path system and its ongoing maintenance.
Right now, a section of the seven-mile loop is shared by bikers, runners and skaters on pavement. But Forest Park Forever executive director Leslie Hoffarth says work is underway to extend the side-by-side paths between Steinberg Skating Rink and the zoo.
"We will definitely have much more capacity on the path system which is a great thing because it is definitely one of our most-used attractions we have here in the park," Hoffarth said.
A public hearing will be held Thursday night to gather input on what amenities people want to see along the Forest Park dual path. The hearing is scheduled for 7 - 9 p.m. in the Forest Park Visitors Center.