“That is a tetanus shot waiting to happen,” is how one toddler’s parent described the Four-Corners Playground before renovations this past spring. Thanks to a persistent neighborhood resident, the City Parks Department and 10th Ward Alderwoman Shameem Clark-Hubbard, that is all in the past.
And one neighborhood grandparent is thrilled. “I work for him,” said Jan Hulett, (of the 5800 Nina Place block), pointing to her 28-pound, 2.5-year-old grandson as he eagerly climbed up the new slide to join Nora, one of his playground buddies. “This playground is vital for him to make friends and for his socialization, and adults enjoy socializing too.”
The Process Works: The City Responded
The man who started it all is Kevin Koenig (of the 6000 Washington Boulevard block) and he couldn’t be happier with the process and the outcome.
In June 2024, Mr. Koenig noticed the coatings on the old equipment were peeling and he was seeing rust. “The equipment was looking worn down and tired,” Mr. Koenig said.
Tracy Granneman, then-president of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council, urged Mr. Koenig to reach out to the City and Alderwoman Shameem Clark-Hubbard, which he did.
An assessment of the playground was soon ordered, and it was determined that the equipment was approximately 25-years old and eligible for replacement. All that was needed was for the expense to be included in the budget of the Parks Department and in the Ward Capital budget controlled by Alderwoman Clark-Hubbard.
In the end, the City Parks Department covered 75 percent of the costs to replace the playground surface and equipment, while ward funds covered the remaining 25 percent. The new equipment and play surface were installed in May of 2026.
“I was surprised how responsive the City was to this proposal, and the alderwoman’s willingness to use Ward funds for the project,” said Mr. Koenig. “I felt heard.”
Alderwoman Shameem Clark-Hubbard credits Mr. Koenig’s regular follow-up for keeping the project top-of-mind and on track. “Squeaky wheels get the oil on citizen projects,” she said. “I’d rather people call me every day about their concerns, rather than just showing up complaining at a meeting or posting on Facebook or Nextdoor.”
Ms. Clark-Hubbard urges residents to reach out, yet also be a bit patient, “It’s a process that takes time because of the necessary steps and coordination between the City Departments involved,” she said.
She urges her constituents to call or text her at (314) 393-1393 or email her at Clark-Hubbards@stlouis-mo.gov when they have a concern or a complaint.
“You can’t bother me too much, this is my job,” Ms. Clark-Hubbard said. “Please reach out so I can help any way I can!”
