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, February 23, 2017 – 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, March 23, in the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center in Forest Park. The second annual Under the Clock Tower: State of Forest Park Community Gathering will feature Park leadership from both groups discussing exciting improvement projects and answering questions from event attendees.

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. The event is free and attendees do not need to register to attend. Attendees will be able to sample Urban Chestnut’s Forest Park Pilsner and enjoy complimentary snacks while chatting with representatives from many Park institutions. There will be information and activity stations led by the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, Forest Park Forever, Park destinations and Park partners such as Great Rivers Greenway and Shakespeare Festival St. Louis.

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.

“Forest Park Forever and our City of St. Louis partners were so pleased to welcome more than 300 people to last year’s inaugural Under the Clock Tower event,” said Stephen Schenkenberg, Strategic Communications Director for Forest Park Forever, “and we anticipate a similar crowd this year. We are eager to share both news and historical tidbits about Forest Park, from upcoming restoration projects to the history of the Park’s waterway. We look forward to gathering so many great Park institutions in one place and hearing from the public about what’s on their mind.”

Event Schedule:

5:00-6:00 p.m. – Community Open House and Happy Hour

• Complimentary beer from Urban Chestnut Brewing Company

• 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 from various Park institutions
  

6:00-7:00 p.m. – 2016 State of Forest Park Program

• Presentation of the Kathryn Nelson Keeper of Forest Park Award

• A fast-paced presentation filled with project news and interesting Forest Park facts, followed by an open Q&A session with City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Greg Hayes and Forest Park Forever President & Executive Director Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E.

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.

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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 7,500 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.

About Forest Park

Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is considered one of the nation’s greatest urban public parks. The Park’s 1,300 acres feature beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams, as well as five of the region’s major cultural institutions and endless opportunities for recreation. Forest Park attracts 13 million visitors each year, making it the sixth most visited urban park in the United States. In 2016, Forest Park was voted the #1 City Park in the country by readers of USA Today.

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