COMMUNITY & CULTURE
MEET ME IN … Forest Park
By Trish Muyco-Tobin
Jewel Box
Call it the perfect urban oasis or even the best city park in America ( according to readers of USA TODAY ), Forest Park is a treasure that every St . Louisan holds dear . The institutions that call it home ( Saint Louis Zoo , Saint Louis Art Museum , The Muny , Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Science Center ) are the biggest draw , but the park also offers respite from the daily grind with running , walking and biking trails , picnic areas and exquisite gardens .
Dedicated on June 24 , 1876 , the centennial of the Declaration of Independence , Forest Park captured global attention when it hosted the 1904 World ’ s Fair . These days , its 13,000 acres see 13 million visitors each year , making it the sixth most visited urban park in the country .
In recent years , Forest Park has assumed another high-profile role as host of America ’ s Biggest Birthday Party , Fair Saint Louis . Estimates project between 250,000 and 275,000 fairgoers will descend on the park to experience live music from national acts , as well as a fairway , zip line , interactive STEAM exhibit , marketplace-style shopping and Purina dog shows , during the fair ’ s four-day run over the Fourth of July holiday .
Photos by Calla Massman
78 GAZELLE STL