The St. Louis Story
By Bob Underwood
Almost two decades ago, modelers in the St. Louis area faced a problem encountered by many across the United States: flying fields were appearing and then disappearing at an alarming rate due to increasing pressures on available land.
Despite the relatively small amount of space required for control-line activity, the situation became critical. At one point the newly formed St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation was approached to ask whether land in an outlying area might be made available for a model field.
The individual contacted, Mr. Wayne Kennedy, was sympathetic to the modelers' cause. With his guidance, an association of clubs was formed, at that time consisting solely of control-line groups. A space was found on land donated by Mr. G. A. Buder and plans were made.
Early development of the field relied heavily on the work of the modelers themselves. Circles were constructed along with a pavilion and fencing. It was made clear that the modeling voice for St. Louis, as far as the Park Department was concerned, was the newly formed Greater St. Louis Modeling Association.
Through the addition of an RC field and continual improvements, the cooperative relationship has endured. The facility at Buder Park has been continuously upgraded and now includes asphalt-paved runways and circles, parking areas, pavilions, and other amenities.
The Association has grown to include 14 clubs, representing free flight, control line, and radio control, as well as two RC car clubs and a live steam locomotive group.
The Association has attempted to show its appreciation for the cooperation afforded it by the community in ways that other organizations would be well advised to emulate.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
