Council Circle

Forest Park Forever

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Project Details
Size
0.4 acres
Year
2013
Location
St. Louis, MO
Collaborators
Honors
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Project Summary

Council Circle is one of St. Louis’ and Forest Park’s ‘hidden gems’. Located off of a walking path to Deer Lake and shielded from view by an earthen berm, Council Circle is a quiet gathering space within Forest Park that was designed specifically for children to enjoy and learn about nature.

Breaking from the main path, visitors follow a soft-surface accessible path down and around the hill to find Council Circle which overlooks a lagoon. Semi-circular limestone tiers emerge from the hill forming a child-sized amphitheater that transitions uphill into a collection of scattered blocks.

The circle is an untamed oasis where children can play on the rock terraces, observe wildlife in the adjacent lagoon, meadow, and forest, and attend outdoor educational sessions.

In addition to its kid-friendly activities, Council Circle has also been used to host small gatherings, receptions and weddings. A space that is equally enjoyable as a child or adult and with company or in solitude, Council Circle is a unique addition to the many landscapes of Forest Park.

Design work performed by James Fetterman Landscape Architects prior to merging with Arbolope Studio.

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Documentation
Native plantings along the project site edge allow the amphitheater to blend into the surrounding creekside.
Re-wilded and low-management areas of the park like this have become home to robust ecosystems.
Council Circle is intimately nestled along a creek that winds it's way through Forest Park.

Council Circle

Forest Park Forever

Location

St. Louis, MO

Size

0.4 acres

Services

Landscape Architecture

Completion

2013

Collaborators
Honors & Awards

Council Circle is one of St. Louis’ and Forest Park’s ‘hidden gems’. Located off of a walking path to Deer Lake and shielded from view by an earthen berm, Council Circle is a quiet gathering space within Forest Park that was designed specifically for children to enjoy and learn about nature.

Breaking from the main path, visitors follow a soft-surface accessible path down and around the hill to find Council Circle which overlooks a lagoon. Semi-circular limestone tiers emerge from the hill forming a child-sized amphitheater that transitions uphill into a collection of scattered blocks.

The circle is an untamed oasis where children can play on the rock terraces, observe wildlife in the adjacent lagoon, meadow, and forest, and attend outdoor educational sessions.

In addition to its kid-friendly activities, Council Circle has also been used to host small gatherings, receptions and weddings. A space that is equally enjoyable as a child or adult and with company or in solitude, Council Circle is a unique addition to the many landscapes of Forest Park.

Design work performed by James Fetterman Landscape Architects prior to merging with Arbolope Studio.

Native plantings along the project site edge allow the amphitheater to blend into the surrounding creekside.
Re-wilded and low-management areas of the park like this have become home to robust ecosystems.
Council Circle is intimately nestled along a creek that winds it's way through Forest Park.