Project Statement

Forest Park, at 1,370 acres, is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. The park is one of St. Louis’ greatest civic treasures and has been the site of events such as the 1904 World’s Fair. However, due to limited funding and deferred maintenance during the 1970’s and 80’s, the park became less functional and unsafe. In 2000, the nonprofit conservancy Forest Park Forever (FPF) engaged the design team to restore some of the park’s most iconic landmarks in preparation of the 100th anniversary of the Fair. The restoration modernized amenities, reintroduced natural systems and reconnected visitors to the magic of this beloved public space. Today, Forest Park proudly stands as one of America’s most celebrated and well-visited urban parks. 

Project Narrative

Based on a 1995 Master Plan commissioned by Forest Park Forever, projects were then funded in a timeline that allowed restoration of multiple spaces prior to the 100th anniversary in 2004.

Emerson Grand Basin: A Classic Vision, Restored  

Architect Cass Gilbert’s original vision for the 1904 Fair positioned the Grand Basin as a formal body of water surrounded by plaster palaces and large sculptures. By the 1980’s, the basin had become silted in, leaked, and water quality became a health hazard.

The design team, led by the landscape architect, set out to restore the grandeur of the basin and surrounding park space. The basin was renovated and modernized with new precast walls, boat landings, balconies, overlooks, tree-lined promenades, and beautifully lit fountains that match Gilbert’s original vision.  

Post-Dispatch Lake: Nature Returns 

Prior to the creation of Forest Park, the River des Peres flowed through land that is now parkland. Unfortunately, the river was drained and converted to exposition space for the Fair. The restoration created a new waterway reminiscent of the original river alignment. Although the waterway doesn’t bring the river back, it does provide important storm water management and habitat functions that had been erased. The waterway was connected to Grand Basin to expand storm storage capacities and provide recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and skating. Vast areas of turf grass and non-native tree species were removed, and the waterway was returned to native riparian habitat.  

Stone outcroppings enhance the site’s naturalistic character and spillway elevations were set to attenuate flow to create aquatic pools. Landscape plantings restored the original woodlands, prairie, riparian, and aquatic habitats. Within Post-Dispatch Lake, two new islands were created for picnicking, a new beach was established, and wildlife habitat was vastly improved. A new path system weaves through the area and connects to a larger park pathway system. 

Government Hill/World’s Fair Pavilion: Showcasing Splendor 

Following the successful renovations of Grand Basin and Post-Dispatch Lake, FPF engaged the design team to restore Government Hill and the World’s Fair Pavilion. Government Hill was the site of a dilapidated fountain and like the rest of the park, was suffering from years of neglect. As outlined by the Master Plan, the grandness of the hillside and the axial relationship of the Pavilion and Post-Dispatch Lake was respected. The restoration included soil improvements and landscape was designed to emphasize formality and introduce scale.   

Deteriorated staircases and pathways were replaced with ADA-accessible routes and enhanced pedestrian connections. The team also designed a new fountain to replace the then non-functioning original fountain.  The new design includes dramatic cascades and a signature fountain jet in line with the axis. Today, Government Hill is one of the park’s most popular sites for weddings, civic gatherings, and host the annual Forest Park Balloon Race. 

Forest Park, Today and Forever 

The restoration of Forest Park is a success story that has been recognized nationally. With over 15 million visitors annually, the park is the sixth most visited urban park in the U.S. and was recently named the best city park in USA Today’s readers' choice awards for the second consecutive year. The park continues to be recognized as a national destination and the pride of its city and region.