We were very proud to see longtime Forest Park Forever volunteer "Big Fred" Ruhrwien featured in this week's edition of Town & Style for his remarkable contributions as a community volunteer. 

Fred's passion and love of St. Louis and Forest Park is unmatched and is exhibited in his friendly, outstanding, unique and informative customer service here in the Park. Fred has been a strong presence and key component in every facet of visitor services delivery for more than 10 years with the Park's Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center, Forest Park Forever’s Park Ambassador & Tour Guide programs and the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission volunteer programs. He has a natural gift to make visitors and guests feel warmly welcomed and he imparts a cheerful, lasting and positive impression upon those that visit our great Park, City and region.

There are many examples to illustrate how Fred goes above and beyond in his customer service capacities, but our favorite – and most visual and fun – is Fred’s initiative to commemorate Forest Park events, St. Louis happenings and local and national milestones via his personalized button making. If there is a special occasion to celebrate, button artwork will be created, assembled and shared with visitors, Park users, his fellow volunteers and a few of us lucky staff members.

Congrats, Fred! Thanks for everything you do to make Forest Park — and St. Louis — a better place.