St. Louis has been transitioning from the legacy of its manufacturing economy for several decades. New investment in parks and trails—focusing on access, equity, and connectivity—has played a vital role in revitalizing its downtown and neighborhoods. This reimagining of historic parks and greenways has been possible due to innovative partnerships between the City of St. Louis, the National Park Service, and privately led foundations and organizations reshaping parks programming, operations, maintenance, and funding.
This unique study tour offers participants a chance to experience and learn about St. Louis’s innovative approaches to improving the park system and the quality of life of its residents through our curated itinerary developed with local hosts Forest Park Forever, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Great Rivers Greenway, and Tower Grove Park.
News: St. Louis’ Forest Park was named the best city park in the nation as a part of the USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award in February 2023!
Plan your visit: Check out our guide to restaurants, shopping, entertainment and attractions in the gateway city.
Learning objectives will cover the following themes:
Park Partnerships
Learn about successful models of park partnerships, including the evolution of friends groups into true parks conservatorships.
Repurposing Urban Landscapes in a Legacy City
In a post-industrial city with aging infrastructure and slow economic growth, witness the value that parks and green space bring to the reinvigoration of urban neighborhoods and environments.
Equitable Access and Inclusion
Realize the importance of free and low-cost cultural attractions. Discover how access to parks is being enhanced through public transportation and Universal Design, and the role of greenways in connecting people and parks throughout the community. Experience the ways that parks welcome people of various identities through programming, cultural arts, and community development.
The tour will begin at 4:30p (central time) on Thursday, June 1, with a welcome reception dinner at the Boathouse at Forest Park where the participants can enjoy dinner with city officials and get an overview of the St. Louis experience.
Day two of the tour starts at Tower Grove Park where participants will walk the length of the newly restored East Creek, and engage in a group discussion about the Columbus Statue. Additional highlights of the day are tours of Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail and a brief presentation. Lunch will be served along the way, followed by a walking tour of the famous Gateway Arch Grounds and Museum of the Gateway Arch National Park concluded with an evening event to include dinner near the Arch.
On the last day of the tour, Saturday, June 3, participants will travel to Forest Park’s World’s Fair Pavilion where they will tour the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape and engage in discussions on community outreach and engagement strategies for parks. The tour will continue to St. Vincent Greenway where participants will learn about equity and partnership in St. Louis’s city parks followed by lunch at Great Rivers Greenway offices where participants will hear presentations on the latest development of Brickline Greenway to conclude the tour at 2p (central time).
The Pennywell St. Louis Downtown – Hilton
Address: 400 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63102
Listed prices do not include taxes and fees. Hotel block link information will be sent with your registration confirmation.
Sponsorship Support Provided By:
Lead Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsor:
Host City Partners:
