St. Louis, MO — Tensions are rising in a quiet neighborhood after two people were injured in a shooting at Boland Park late last night, reigniting community frustration over what residents say is a long-standing and largely ignored problem. While the headlines have centered on the violence that erupted on Sunday night, some neighbors say the situation had been building all weekend—and, in fact, much longer.

According to police, officers were called to Boland Park just before midnight after shots were fired. When authorities arrived, they discovered two victims with gunshot wounds. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, where they are expected to recover. Police have not released the identities of the victims, nor have they confirmed if any arrests have been made.

“It’s Been Happening All Weekend”

For many in the neighborhood, the shooting was not a surprise—it was the latest and most dangerous moment in a string of disruptive behavior that they say has plagued the park for months, particularly during summer weekends.

“This didn’t just happen last night,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous. “The park has become a place for late-night gatherings, illegal racing, loud music, and now violence. It starts Friday night and doesn’t stop until Sunday. Last night just pushed it to a breaking point.”

Local residents report that teenagers and young adults have been entering the park after hours, often trespassing into nearby yards, revving car engines, and making noise into the early morning hours. According to city ordinances, Boland Park is supposed to close at sunset, but enforcement has been minimal to nonexistent.

A Mother’s Frustration and Sympathy

A mother who lives adjacent to the park spoke about the emotional toll the situation has taken on her family. With a 2-year-old daughter at home, she described the panic she felt hearing gunfire so close to her front door.

“I was terrified,” she said. “It could’ve been any one of us. My daughter was sleeping right inside, and suddenly there’s a shooting just steps away.”

Despite her anger and fear, she expressed empathy for the teenagers, saying that much of the blame lies with absent parenting and failed city leadership.

“These kids shouldn’t be out here like this. Where are their parents? And where is the city? This park is supposed to be a safe place, not a battleground. I’m tired of living like this.”

A Failure of City Management

Many residents are now pointing fingers at the city government and local officials, accusing them of neglecting the park and the neighborhood’s safety concerns. Broken lighting, lack of patrols, and inadequate fencing have turned what was once a family-friendly green space into a hotspot for after-hours chaos.

“There are no consequences,” said another neighbor. “The city knows this is happening. They hear us complain, but nothing changes. Now someone gets shot, and suddenly they care?”

Several residents are now calling for immediate action, including increased police presence, better enforcement of park hours, and the installation of security cameras. Some are even proposing temporary park closures after dark or neighborhood patrol programs.

Police and City Officials Yet to Respond

As of Monday morning, city leaders have not made a formal statement regarding the shooting or the ongoing issues at Boland Park. Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them or submit anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers.

In the meantime, residents are left trying to make sense of the violence, hoping it doesn’t happen again.

“We shouldn’t have to live in fear just because we live near a park,” the mother of the toddler said. “Something needs to change before this gets worse.”