Great Rivers Greenway and Mosaic Project Partnership
Bomi Park, Assistant Project Manager for the World Trade Center St. Louis and the St. Louis Mosaic Project, is an unofficial “greenway ambassador” introducing foreign-born to the many Great Rivers Greenways. Both Great Rivers Greenway and the St. Louis Mosaic Project share a common mission: being welcoming to diverse groups of people. They feel that helping immigrants learn about the greenways is a way to do that.
“Walking on the greenways reminds me where of where I come from,” Park said. “I think many other foreign-born people would agree that the Greenways are special to us for similar reasons. People walk and ride bikes more and drive less in South Korea, and the places for walking and biking are separated from cars. I live close to Grant’s Trail and like seeing people and getting a different view of things. I also like how it can take you to so many places—the library, the Clydesdales at Grant’s farm, stores and historic sites. I love being out on the greenways!”
Janet Wilding, Vice President of 39 North and Major Projects at the STL Partnership, said that foreign-born St. Louisans’ opinions were heavily considered when planning the many greenways.
‘’During the 39 North master planning process, we conducted public engagement with many of the foreign-born scientists that work in the agtech industry,” Wilding said. “Many of them were excited about being able to have green space for recreation and transportation close to their offices and considered the greenways one of the highest priorities for creating a connected, high quality work environment.”