Delmar Loop in University City in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Ackert Walkway and a Path to Urban Renewal
Centennial Greenway: Ackert Walkway
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 24, 2023
By 1920, the Kirkwood-Ferguson streetcar line stretched through the heart of University City, and provided access to vibrant shopping in the Delmar Loop and to local attractions such as the Delmar Garden Amusement Park and the Delmar Race Track. It ran between two new residential subdivisions — North Parkview on the west, and Delmar Garden on the east — creating what is now Ackert Walkway.
After World War II, with the growing suburban population and economic boom, automobiles became more widespread and fewer people were taking public transportation. The old Kirkwood-Ferguson streetcar became obsolete and the land became vacant.
In 1961, an urban renewal plan was approved. the overall plan for University City took years to complete, but by 1967 it was well on its way. On May 19, 1967, Mayor Nathan Kaufman dedicated the new linear park in honor of Harold C. Ackert, who was instrumental in the expansion of the city's park system.
Ackert Walkway is now part of a key stretch in the Centennial Greenway. Running from Forest Park through Washington University's Danforth Campus and University City, the trail connects the diverse parts of the St. Louis region.
Erected by City of University City, Missouri.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is May 19, 1967.
Location. 38° 39.385′ N, 90° 18.325′ W. Marker is in University City, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It is in Delmar Loop. Marker is on Westgate Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6539 Westgate Ave, Saint Louis MO 63130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Peter Raven (within shouting distance of this marker); Chuck Berry (within shouting distance of this marker); Carl & Gerty Cori (within shouting distance of this marker); Dick Gregory (within shouting distance of this marker); Theodore Link (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles A. Lindbergh (within shouting distance of this marker); Agnes Moorehead (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Pulitzer (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in University City.
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 24, 2023
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 24, 2023
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.