- Stories
Connecting to Nature: Free WiFi Launching in City Parks
Increasing internet access for underserved communities is vital to creating a stronger St. Louis.
The City of St. Louis is putting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to work bringing free public wi-fi access to parks across the city, helping close the digital divide that persists in many of our neighborhoods.
In our increasingly digitized world, a reliable internet connection and basic digital literacy are essential tools for living a modern life – from schoolwork to remote work, job applications to doctor’s appointments.
Lack of internet access has proven detrimental to economic opportunities, educational benefits, and even health outcomes among the disconnected.
Yet according to a study conducted last year by Ernst & Young in collaboration with the St. Louis Community Foundation, there are tens of thousands of families in St. Louis who cannot access high-speed broadband (HSBB) and internet-enabled devices in their own homes due to cost. The report found that 150,000 households in the city “struggle to afford” HSBB; at least 25% of households “do not have a computer, or only have a smartphone.” For some North City neighborhoods like Walnut Park, that number jumps to over 30%.
That’s why over the next several months, thanks to ARPA funding, the City of St. Louis is rolling out free public wifi to parks across the city.
Phase 1 of the initiative will go into effect this fall, beginning with these nine parks:
- Gregory J. Carter Park
- Loretta Hall Park
- Gravois Park
- Murphy Park
- Tilles Park
- Ivory Perry Park
- O’Fallon Park
- Fox Park
- Amberg Park
Phase 1 is scheduled to occur between Oct and Dec of 2024 (9 City parks). In Jan 2025, work on the MLK corridor (KIenlen to Grand) is scheduled to begin.
Phase 2 of the project which includes additional parks and the Gateway Mall area downtown is also being planned. This work is scheduled to occur in early 2025. Wi-fi coverage will come to parks such as: Tandy Park, Wohl Park, 12th & Park, and Marquette Park
The journey to digital equity doesn’t end there, however – it’s just as vital to ensure all St. Louisans know how to navigate the World Wide Web and leverage the resources available on the internet. Starting in 2025, to help residents optimize their internet usage, the City will also be staffing new Learning Labs in local Recreation Centers, complete with a technical Help Desk and courses in Digital Literacy.
Find a public park near you using our Park Finder.
Frequently asked questions
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion federal aid package passed by Congress in March, 2021 to provide financial aid to families, governments, businesses, schools, nonprofits and others impacted by the pandemic.
The City of Saint Louis was awarded $498 million in recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds represent a lifeline for thousands of families in our city who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic and resulting economic crisis. You can see how ARPA dollars are being distributed on the ARPA Funding Tracker.
Visit our American Rescue Plan Resource Guide. This is a one-stop shop where you’ll find all the programs currently available to you and your family. It includes instructions on how to apply.
Learn how to receive ARPA funding to power up your business or non-profit on our For My Business page.
Tens of thousands of families have benefitted from programs including direct cash payments, job training, health resources and free transportation. Explore available programs for you and your family.
All funds must be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.
Here is a list of our current and past RFPs.