Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis to Host “Under the Clock Tower: 2016 State of Forest Park Community Gathering” on April 14
Fun, interactive and free community event will highlight the latest Forest Park improvements and provide a forum for visitor questions and input
Contact:
Katy Peace, Marketing & Digital Media Manager | kpeace@forestparkforever.org | 314.561.3290
ST. LOUIS, March 10, 2016 – The nonprofit conservancy Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis will host a public open house and program from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, in the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center in Forest Park. Park leadership from both groups will be on hand to discuss exciting improvement projects and answer questions from event attendees. Mayor Francis G. Slay will provide opening remarks for the evening’s festivities. The program will be emceed by Fox 2’s Jasmine Huda.
“Under the Clock Tower” — a nod to the iconic clock tower of the historic Visitor Center — will attract people from around the region to learn more about Forest Park while enjoying a fun evening in one of the Park’s historic structures. Attendees will be able to sample local coffee, bites and brews, including COM KOM Kombucha and a new craft beer from Urban Chestnut. There will be information and activity stations led by Forest Park Forever, the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, Park destinations and Park partners such as Metro Transit and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
This event will also feature the presentation of the annual Kathryn Nelson Keeper of Forest Park Award. The Keeper of Forest Park Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional energy and creativity for the benefit of Forest Park. Learn more about past winners here: forestparkforever.org/keeper-of-forest-park
“We are excited to host this first-of-its kind Forest Park event with our City of St. Louis partners,” said Stephen Schenkenberg, Strategic Communications Director for Forest Park Forever. “This will be a fun, interactive way to spend a spring evening in Forest Park. Attendees will have the chance to gain a deeper knowledge about everything that’s happening here — from future restoration projects to how we collectively care for 40,000 trees — as well as pose questions to Park leadership.”
Event Schedule:
5:00-6:00 p.m. – Community Open House and Happy Hour
Complimentary samples of coffee, bites and brews
Activities and info stations led by Forest Park Forever horticulture staff, the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, Park destinations and Park partners
Giveaways & prizes!
6:00-7:00 p.m. – 2016 State of Forest Park Program
Opening remarks by Mayor Francis G. Slay
Presentation of the Kathryn Nelson Keeper of Forest Park Award
A fast-paced presentation filled with project news and interesting Forest Park facts (plus a special announcement!), followed by an open Q&A session with Forest Park Forever President & Executive Director Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., and City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Greg Hayes
More information about this event can be found at forestparkforever.org/communitygathering
Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance to submit questions for Park leadership and be entered into a raffle for several giveaways the night of the event.
The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center is located at 5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park. Ample free parking is available in the lots just south of the building.
Members of the press are encouraged to attend for footage and interviews. Reporters and photographers are encouraged to arrive by 5:30 p.m. and check in with Forest Park Forever staff.
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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.
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