A jewel’s value has many levels. Some, like its appraisal value, are easy to measure. Others, like its color, affect its dollar value, but draw different responses from different people. Still others, like the memories behind a family heirloom, are virtually impossible to calculate.

Forest Park’s value is similar. An economic impact study completed earlier this decade found that Forest Park:

• Employs 3,300 people, placing it among the metropolitan area’s top 30 employers

• Supports 7,610 jobs across the region

• Generates $624 million in revenue

These numbers, which have only grown recently, are relatively straight-forward to compile. But some visitors may value the Park more in one season over another, or like some features more than others — and how can you put a value on a sled ride down Art Hill, or a Fourth of July excursion around Post-Dispatch Lake?

In 2009, the Trust for Public Land published a study called “Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park System.” In addition to benefits like jobs and revenue, the study measured savings, like environmental savings. Forest Park’s environmental savings would include the 35 million gallons of storm water the Park captures each year, and the 7 tons of pollutants its 45,000 trees remove from our air.

Then, the study went further by trying to value more intangible savings, like the “community cohesion” parks provide by giving people from all walks of life free places to volunteer, play and just hang out together.

Forest Park Forever is a community cohesion machine. It makes sure the Park’s 1,300 acres are looking their best for its 13 million visitors every year — roads maintained, waterways sparkling, plants and flowers thriving. At the heart of the nonprofit’s work are its team members, its volunteers and its unique partnership with the City of St. Louis.

“Since 1986, Forest Park Forever has been one of the City’s most important and effective relationships,” says St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson. “They work right alongside us to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park as the jewel of the City of St. Louis and as one of the country’s top urban parks. Their work is invaluable to the region because of the support and donations they raise for capital improvements and the Park’s endless recreational opportunities.”

And what about those institutions — the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Saint Louis Science Center and the Saint Louis Zoo? If you live in St. Louis City or County, you already support them with your tax dollars through the Zoo Museum District (ZMD). Maybe you are a member of one or more of them on top of that. Why should you consider giving to Forest Park Forever, too?

Because Forest Park Forever is not a part of the (ZMD). It is a separate nonprofit conservancy that helps maintains the Park as a home to them all. As Mayor Krewson says, “Without Forest Park Forever, I don't know if we’d have the Forest Park everyone, including myself, loves and adores today. I thank them and their supporters for their continued investment and commitment in the Park’s bright future and for being such a trusted steward of this community treasure.”

Forest Park Forever’s annual For the Love of the Park campaign is drawing to a close for 2019. If you have not yet joined Forest Park Forever (new members join by December 31st for 50% off your membership) or contributed this year, please consider doing so today. Remember: When you invest in Forest Park Forever, you are not just investing in the Jewel of Forest Park — you are investing in the Jewel of the City.