On May 16, 2025 a rain-wrapped, mile wide, EF-3 tornado ripped across St. Louis damaging more than 5,000 structures and destroying more than 4,000 trees across the city. O’Fallon Park alone lost approximately 350 trees. Replanting in O’Fallon Park will help to catalyze of recovery efforts for the hardest hit communities. Re-establishing the tree canopy will connect to and invite surrounding communities to the park.

The goals for the canopy restoration include restoring a healthy, diverse, predominately native tree canopy to the park. These trees will define park spaces, drives, walks, and use areas while providing seasonal interest. Park entries and exits will be highlighted by accent plantings of flowering species and distinct tree species. Stands of shade trees throughout the interior of the park will not only provide shade but define different spaces and circulation paths. Long-lived, distinctive, and sturdy legacy trees provide interest and whimsy through plantings of individual and massed iconic trees.