This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: May 28, 2008 - What is your vision for the Gateway Arch grounds?
The National Park Service is inviting the public to weigh in on plans for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at "open house style meetings'' on June 25 and July 1. The Memorial includes the Arch and Old Courthouse.
Times and locations for the meetings are:
* Wed., June 25, 5-8 p.m., Trolley Room of the Dennis and Judith Jones Visitor and Education center (the Lindell Pavilion) in Forest Park.
* Tues., July 1, 3-6:30 p.m., Old Courthouse, 11 North Fourth Street.
Tom Bradley, the new superintendent of the Memorial, announced on May 8 that the Park Service would seek public input on ways to reinvigorate the grounds of the 43-year-old Arch, as encouraged by the Danforth Foundation.
In a news release Monday, Bradley said the Arch's current management plan has been in place since 1964 and must be updated to guide Memorial management for the next 15 to 20 years. He expects that process to take 18 to 24 months.
The Park Service has identified five "preliminary alternatives" based on proposals developed internally and by the city of St. Louis and other public and private organizations. The options will be outlined in detail in a forthcoming Park Service newsletter.
To be included on the project mailing list, requests should be sent by mail to Superintendent, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, Mo. 63102; by telephone to 314-655-1600; or by e-mail to jeff_superintendent @nps. gov.