Forest Park

The Evolv system is designed to be fast and is part of a larger safety upgrade at the Zoo that includes new cameras and a security dog.

Forest Park leaders want to know what visitors to the park think of a plan to make the Steinberg Pavilion and Rink available year-round. Forest Park plans to make substantial renovations to the rink, which has been an attraction for more than six decades.

Washington University, St. Louis University, the Zoo and other local institutions are bringing kids into Forest Park to show them wildlife can thrive in urban areas.

The courts will be named for Nicholas J. Booker, an 18-year-old St. Louis native who died of asthma in 2018 while playing pickup basketball during his first year at Fordham University.

The Evolution Festival features headliners the Black Keys and Brandi Carlisle, plus a focus on local barbecue. Its producers hope to build it into a signature event in St. Louis but are counting on a strong first year.

Pickleball is taking over St. Louis. Seven south St. Louis parks have permanent pickleball courts, and a former Bed Bath & Beyond in Lake St. Louis has been converted into a pickleball club.

Ted Spaid has designed the region's favorite outdoor hangout spots like the St. Louis Zoo and Art Hill. Now he’s wrapping up work on St. Louis’ newest basketball courts in Tower Grove Park and Forest Park.

Charles lost his mate Virginia, as well as their eggs, just before the new year. He’s been courting a new female since January.

The Evolution Festival will bring Brandi Carlile, the Black Keys, the Black Crowes and Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals to Forest Park in late August. Organizers say it could draw 20,000 concertgoers a day for two days.

Basketball cannot come soon enough to St. Louis’ largest parks.