Combining GPS technology, historical details and key information on 100-plus Park attractions, this cutting-edge web app puts Forest Park at your fingertips

Contact: Katy Peace: kpeace@forestparkforever.org, 314.561.3290

ST. LOUIS, August 31, 2015 – Forest Park Forever has announced the launch of a new website to help visitors enjoy all that Forest Park has to offer. Forestparkmap.org is a multi-platform web app that includes pertinent information on over 100 Park destinations and GPS technology to help guests navigate Forest Park’s 1,371 acres.

A natural extension of Forest Park Forever’s popular printed Visitors Guide & Map, this new online resource will make it easier than ever for the Park’s 13 million visitors to enjoy the Park, whether they are right here within its grounds or planning their next trip.

Key Forestparkmap.org Highlights

• Works Across Devices: Forestparkmap.org functions on any device — whether desktop or mobile — and on any operating system. No app stores, no passwords… just bring up the URL in any browser.
• GPS-Enabled: Bring up the site in Forest Park, and you’ll see right where you are in relation to where you’d like to go.
• Comprehensive: The web app features 100-plus Park destinations across 10 key categories, from Cultural Destinations to Landmarks, Restrooms to Picnic Sites. Each destination gets its own write-up, with historical tidbits, hours, contact information and more.
• Zoom, Zoom: Just like with Google Maps, zoom in or out to see more or less detail.  
• Visitor-Focused: The site is packed with key information and history to enhance visitors’ Forest Park experience, whether they are first-time visitors or locals looking for a hidden treasure.
• Simple Sharing: From each destination, a user can one-touch share the URL by email or on Twitter or Facebook. 
• It's FREE!: We are pleased to offer this resource at no cost for the enjoyment of all visitors.

Potential User Scenarios for Forestparkmap.org

• A young couple exploring in Forest Park uses the map to discover natural highlights they’ve never seen as a way to get off the beaten path.
• A family planning a reunion picnic uses the map to look through all of the picnic sites before selecting one that best suits their needs.
• After finishing up a game of tennis, a visitor checks the map to see what food options are close by, settling on the Forest Perk Café.
• A couple planning their wedding uses the map to learn more about the Jewel Box. After reserving the space, they share the map link with all of their guests to help them plan their trips.
• A tourist at the Saint Louis Art Museum checks the map to discover what other cultural institutions are just around the corner in Forest Park.
• A family breaks from a bike ride together to locate the nearest restroom.
• After stumbling across The Cascades, a Park visitor opens the map to learn more about this beautiful water feature.  

“We know that visitors are highly interested in getting help navigating Forest Park and experiencing everything this vast destination offers,” said Stephen Schenkenberg, Strategic Communications Director of Forest Park Forever. “Forestparkmap.org takes an incredible amount of information — Park history, details about hundreds of destinations — and puts it in the palm of your hand.”

“The 13 million people who visit Forest Park each year are truly what make this place so special,” said Lesley Hoffarth P.E., President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “We view this online map as a way of making their experiences even better. We also hope that it will encourage people to discover new areas of the Park and learn a little bit more about this St. Louis treasure.”

•

About Forest Park Forever

Founded in 1986, Forest Park Forever is a private nonprofit conservancy that works in partnership with the City of St. Louis and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park as one of America’s greatest urban public parks.

Along with the City of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever raised $100 million between 1995 and 2003 and dramatically restored many landmark destinations in Forest Park, including the Emerson Grand Basin, the Boathouse and the Jewel Box.

Today, Forest Park Forever maintains Forest Park with the City of St. Louis; raises funds for and helps manage capital restoration projects called for in the Forest Park Master Plan; delivers experiential educational opportunities to teachers, students and adults; and provides information and guides for the Park’s 13 million annual visitors. Not part of the Zoo-Museum Tax District, Forest Park Forever is supported by private donations from throughout the community, including its 7,000 members, 1,100 volunteers and many leading community and corporate partners.

Connect with us at facebook.com/forestparkforever,  twitter.com/forestpark4ever and instagram.com/forestparkforever.