How Forest Park Became the Best Urban Park in the Country

Join us for an author talk with Alan Kretchmar exploring the remarkable revival of Forest Park. In the 1980s, the park faced serious decline—crumbling roads and stairways, unsafe bridges, failing infrastructure, rising crime, and lakes filling with sediment. At the same time, outside groups—including the Missouri Department of Transportation, the St. Louis Blues, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital—were seeking to claim portions of the park’s land. How did Forest Park transform from a struggling public space to the crown jewel of St. Louis in just 40 years? Drawing on his research and writing, Kretchmar will share the story of the people, decisions, and community efforts that helped restore and reimagine one of the city’s most treasured landscapes. Public Historian Amanda Clark will moderate the conversation, guiding a deeper exploration of Kretchmar’s work.