Restoring a Historical Site at Jefferson Barracks Park
February, 2026
by Bob Ochs, Class of 2017, and Erin Nichols, Class of Fall 2024
Sylvan Springs is a small area within Jefferson Barracks Park in St. Louis County. It has great historical significance as it was the original location of a temporary military camp in 1826. Between 1939-1941, members of the 6th infantry cleared underbrush making space to build an amphitheater, dance floor, baseball field and football field. This area near the natural spring was the location of many popular shows hosted by the USO beginning in 1941. Ownership of the area was eventually given to St. Louis County in the early 1950s and became one of the most popular parks.
Sylvan Springs Beverage Garden gathering in the 1950s
Over time, soil and grass began to cover the flagstone in the Sylvan Springs Beverage Garden area and the area fell out of use. It is now time to bring this area back to life and provide a space for community members to use once again. Through Community Stewardship Alliance (CSA) and Bob Ochs as CSA Ambassador to this area, volunteers have recently begun the restoration process to bring this area to its former glory.
The park sign at Sylvan Springs Beverage Garden - photo by Erin Nichols
The stone wall near the spring and patio area at Sylvan Springs - photo by Erin Nichols
Through Open Space STL, Joe Montgomery, St. Louis County Parks manager over Jefferson Barracks and Sylvan Springs, has offered us the chance to restore the well-known Beverage Garden that includes some invasive species removal, native plantings, and clean-out of the natural spring.
We recently spent two Saturdays volunteering at Sylvan Springs. January 17, 2026 was a VERY cold and snowy morning, but that didn’t stop volunteers from showing up! We had about 15 volunteers who made a lot of progress clearing off a large portion of the stones and began to see where repairs may be needed. We continued the restoration work on February 21 clearing another section to show off the original stonework. Future work will include adding native plants to restore habitat for our local wildlife.
This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the natural spring and create an outdoor area for community members to use for gatherings, small concerts and connecting with nature. I look forward to volunteering at future work dates and watching our progress as Sylvan Springs becomes a popular destination once again.
Sylvan Springs in 2026 - photo by Bob Ochs
Dec 13, 2025 - Diane Ochs and MO House Rep District 93, Bridget Walsh Moore - photo by Bob Ochs