Sometimes, it can be easy to take for granted some of the great things St. Louis has to offer. That includes Gateway Arch National Park. Along with the iconic structure, the park offers 91 acres for visitors to explore. It is the mission of Gateway Arch Park Foundation to ensure that the Arch, its grounds and neighboring public spaces and attractions remain a vital, welcoming and well-supported resource for the community.
On June 13, the foundation will host the inaugural Picnic in Your Park. The event is being spearheaded by the nonprofit’s Friends Advisory Board. It specifically was designed to give guests the opportunity to explore the park in a socially distanced way. “We wanted to be responsible, and we’re looking forward to being able to grow the event in the future,” says Susan Brown, president of the Friends Advisory Board. “Gateway Arch National Park is such a special monument for our whole city and region. We’re excited to be able to continue fostering awareness and community engagement to promote this iconic landmark.”
Tickets for Picnic in Your Park go on sale April 22, and the last day to purchase is June 2. Event guests can choose from a classic or deluxe picnic basket, and there are options to serve one, two, or a family of two adults and two kids. For an additional cost, a kid’s meal can be added to any basket. Gateway Arch Park Foundation is working with Butler’s Pantry to create the menu, and Major Brands is providing adult beverages. “It’s the perfect opportunity to bring out the family, have a girls’ day or spend some time in the park on your own,” says Amanda Goldsmith, the foundation’s director of development. “We’re also curating a playlist for attendees to enjoy with the new public wifi that was installed last summer.”
After picking up their baskets, picnickers are invited to check out the park’s grounds and find the perfect place to enjoy their meal. “Every time I visit the park, I discover something new—whether it’s looking at trees and flowers or enjoying time by the water,” Brown notes. “There is so much to explore. It’s a vibrant place, but it’s also a peaceful space. There are so many ways to enjoy it.” Picnic in Your Park will happen rain or shine. Guests who do not want to stay at Gateway Arch National Park have the option to take their baskets home.
The funds raised by the ticketed event will go toward supporting the foundation’s mission of conservation, education and community engagement. “The money will help us plant and landscape, support educational programming, and allow us to hold events that bring St. Louis together,” Goldsmith explains. “Philanthropy plays a vital role in elevating everyone’s experience.” Picnic in the Park also will help with ongoing renovations and updates, the next phase of which will begin at the Old Courthouse later this year.
“We take pride in ensuring Gateway Arch National Park remains an anchor of downtown and a celebration of St. Louis,” Goldsmith says. “When you participate in an event with Gateway Arch Park Foundation, you’re helping sustain its legacy as a national treasure.”
Gateway Arch Park Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that Gateway Arch National Park remains a vital, welcoming and well-supported resource for the community. Presented by the Friends Advisory Board, Picnic In Your Park is June 13. Pictured on the cover: Friends Advisory Board President Susan Brown with her, husband, Roger, and their children, Allison and Andrew. For more information, call 314.881.2015 or visit archpark.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Pictured at the top: Friends Advisory Board President Susan Brown with her, husband, Roger, and their children, Andrew and Allison
Photo courtesy of Gateway Arch Park Foundation
