Peace Park is an ongoing project that was initiated by the 2015 "For the Sake of All" report that documents significant health inequities in the St. Louis region. Through extensive engagement with the College Hill community, organizers decided the design and construction of a community park on the vacant lots that had been unofficially named “Peace Park” could be an effective first response to addressing these health disparities, and developing visions of brighter alternative futures.  The Office for Socially Engaged Practice is part of the Peace Park partnership team. Faculty in disciplines in earth and environmental sciences, wildlife science, air quality, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and communication design continue to participate in the research and implementation of the project.

In phase one of the construction, which is currently underway, students from Washington University, led by assistant professor Wyly Brown and assistant professor Penina Acayo, are designing and building the gateway pavilion, signage and wayfinding during the fall 2022, through spring 2023.

The pavilion will be first assembled and tested with the help of students, staff, faculty, and community members from Nov 18-22. We would like as many volunteers as possible for this 5-day construction workshop. We will be providing food and tools. No prior construction experience is necessary. We are hoping to engage members from other schools and well as from the College Hill Community. Sign up here.

To find out more about Peace Park visit: www.greencitycoalition.org/peacepark.html