Hermann Park turns 100 next year, and it’s in great shape for its centennial. Landscape architect George Kessler designed the park in 1915 and included plenty of attractions but left lots of open space for future development. But wars, a waning economy and fickle public support delayed many of the proposed improvements over the years. For a while there it seemed that Hermann Park was little more than some green space between neighboring mega-museums. Then, in 2006, the Hermann Park Conservancy started pushing for a renewal. Old facilities were refurbished and new public art programs were put in place. Lighting, parking and transportation services were all kicked up a notch. Now the park attracts as many visitors as its well-heeled neighbors. Shows at Miller Outdoor Theatre are scheduled almost year-round and include performances by the city’s world-class companies, as well as headlining visitors.
This article appears in Oct 8-15, 2014.