Fountain Park Neighborhood Shows Signs of Comeback One Month Before Tornado Anniversary

Residents say the community is moving forward, not just recovering, after the deadly May 16 tornado.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:11am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a tornado-damaged neighborhood, with damaged homes and debris dwarfed by the expansive, melancholic sky, conveying the overwhelming scale of the natural disaster and the community's determination to recover.In the aftermath of a devastating tornado, the Fountain Park neighborhood shows signs of resilience and renewal, as residents work to rebuild their community and find hope in the face of tragedy.St. Louis Today

Nearly a year after the devastating May 16 tornado, the Fountain Park neighborhood in West St. Louis is showing signs of progress. Resident Clara Washington, who owns two damaged homes, says the sound of recovery is hard to miss as neighbors work to plant, clean, and rebuild their properties. While the grief over the loss of a neighbor is still present, Washington sees the new roofs, lawn care, and other signs of renewal as a positive change for the community.

Why it matters

The Fountain Park neighborhood was hit hard by the deadly tornado last May, causing significant damage and the tragic loss of a resident. As the one-year anniversary approaches, the community's recovery efforts demonstrate resilience and a determination to move forward, providing hope for the future.

The details

Washington, who owns two homes damaged in the storm, says the recovery work is ongoing but the neighborhood is making progress. Centennial Church, which was damaged, serves as a constant reminder of the tragedy, including the loss of Washington's friend Patricia Ann Penelton who was killed when the tornado struck. Despite the grief, Washington sees positive signs of change, such as new roofs, lawn care, and people planting flowers, that make her feel good about the neighborhood's future.

  • The deadly May 16 tornado struck the Fountain Park neighborhood nearly a year ago.
  • The one-year anniversary of the tornado is just a month away.

The players

Clara Washington

A Fountain Park resident who owns two homes damaged in the tornado and is working to rebuild.

Patricia Ann Penelton

A Fountain Park resident who was killed when the tornado struck Centennial Church.

Centennial Church

A church in the Fountain Park neighborhood that was damaged by the tornado and serves as a constant reminder of the tragedy.

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What they’re saying

“The storm shouldn't stop us from taking care of our yards. I think everybody should get out and keep acting like they were.”

— Clara Washington, Fountain Park Resident

“Every day we look at that church and it reminds us of May 16. It hurts. She lost her life. But her memory definitely lives on.”

— Clara Washington, Fountain Park Resident

“As I look around and I see the new roofs going up, and people taking care of their lawns... It makes you feel good. You know what I'm saying? We could see some good out of this without having to see all the bad.”

— Clara Washington, Fountain Park Resident

What’s next

The Fountain Park neighborhood will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the deadly tornado on May 16, 2027, with community events and remembrance activities.

The takeaway

The Fountain Park neighborhood's recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating tornado demonstrate the community's resilience and determination to move forward, not just recover. While the grief over the loss of a neighbor remains, the signs of progress, such as new roofs, lawn care, and renewed community spirit, provide hope for the future and a sense that the neighborhood is becoming stronger than before.