The nonprofit conservancy Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry will host a free public event from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, in the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center in Forest Park. At the third annual Under the Clock Tower: State of Forest Park Community Gathering, Park leadership will fill the public in on the latest happenings in Forest Park and answer questions from event attendees. The event will be emceed by Fox 2’s Jasmine Huda.
More about the event below.
Under the Clock Tower — a nod to the Visitor Center’s iconic clock tower — 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 complimentary Forest Park Pilsner from Urban Chestnut and custard from Shake Shack 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. New this year will be a special section for parents and families to learn about summer and camp opportunities in the Park. Door prizes will be given out throughout the program courtesy of several Park destinations.
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
“With a space as large as Forest Park, there is always so much going on,” said Stephen Schenkenberg, Strategic Communications Director for Forest Park Forever, “We relish the chance to bring the community together to learn about all the improvements happening across Forest Park and how they can enjoy the Park in new ways in 2018.”
Event Schedule:
5 – 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
6 – 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.
- Giveaways & prizes!
More information about this event can be found at forestparkforever.org/communitygathering.
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.
Environmental Echo 