Our approach is informed by our relationships in the community. Our goals are informed by community needs. By investing in both people and place, we help create environments where residents can thrive.
People and Place
Strong neighborhoods support the physical, social, and economic well-being of residents. Where people live shapes the opportunities available to them, the relationships they form, and their ability to thrive. Research on economic mobility shows that neighborhood conditions, the physical environment, economic opportunity, and strength of social connections have lasting effects on children and families.
That is why LDG invests in both people and place. We listen to our neighbors, use community-based planning to understand local priorities, and work with residents and partner organizations to strengthen the places where people live, work, gather, and build relationships.
Activating Public Spaces
Public spaces are where community happens. Parks, green spaces, and neighborhood gathering places give people opportunities to meet their neighbors, build relationships, and participate in community life. LDG works with residents and community organizations to bring investment, activity, and care to the public spaces that serve our neighborhoods.
Marquette Park
Marquette Park is an important gathering place for Greater Dutchtown, particularly for children and families. LDG works with neighbors and partners to make the park a welcoming, active, and well-maintained community space.
Youth Programs
LDG partners with Impact City FC’s CityReach to hold youth soccer camps at Marquette Park for boys and girls ages 5–17. These programs give young people an opportunity to build relationships, develop skills, and enjoy one of the neighborhood’s most important public spaces.
Investing in Marquette Park
We also work to improve the physical spaces themselves. Recent improvements include a new playground at Marquette Park, creating a safer and more engaging place for children and families to gather and play.
Park and Neighborhood Beautification
LDG coordinates volunteer plantings, beautification, and neighborhood clean-up days. Learn how you and your organization can volunteer with us.
Dutchtown Spring Clean
Each spring, LDG brings together hundreds of volunteers from the neighborhood and local Lutheran congregations for the Dutchtown Spring Clean. Volunteers clean Marquette Park and surrounding streets and alleys, removing the trash and debris that can make public spaces feel neglected. In 2026, volunteers removed more than 200 cubic yards of trash.
Building Out Commercial Corridors
Commercial corridors are vital places where neighbors shop, work, meet, and interact every day. Strong local businesses provide jobs and services while creating activity that can encourage additional investment in the surrounding neighborhood.
Dutchtown is anchored by two important commercial corridors:
- Meramec Street from Grand Avenue to Nebraska Avenue
- Virginia Avenue from Meramec Street to Walsh Street
LDG works with neighborhood partners to strengthen these corridors and support the businesses, organizations, and community activity that make them destinations. Investing in commercial corridors is part of building the economic diversity and neighborhood stability that allow communities to thrive.
