#47: Ruth Porter Park on the St. Vincent Greenway

Ruth who? Ruth C. Porter (1915-1967) was a founding member of the Greater St. Louis Committee for Freedom of Residence. She is remembered for her tireless efforts for equality treatment between race and class in St. Louis. This includes the revitalization of the West End, where the park is located. In 1965, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) named her 'the outstanding woman of the year'. Porter also helped integrate housing and break down housing restrictions in St. Louis.

The park is nearly 9 acres, and it has some water sprinklers, as well as a peaceful walkway. Some may not say its peaceful, since its right off two busy roads: Delmar and DeBaliviere. Still, its a great way to remember one of St. Louis' great civil rights leaders. The St. Vincent Greenway Trail, which connects to North County, can be accessed through here. This gives bikers and walkers easy access to Forest Park, as the Missouri History Museum (the northern part of Forest Park) is just down the road south on DeBaliviere.

The sign as seen from the corner of DeBaliviere and Delmar

The trail

Ruth Porter Park on St. Louis' city website

5659 Delmar Blvd., ST. LOUIS, MO, 63112
Cake artist: Liza Fishbone (she also decorated the cake at Turtle Park)