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 Parks are as essential to a metropolis as institutions of industry, but the latter, inspired by private interests, are necessarily perhaps more assertive in their demands. It is for this reason that the sympathy and support of the reflective and philanthropic should always be extended in aid of those improvements, which, resting only on the basis of the public welfare, have no selfish inspiration to vaunt their usefulness. In the union of Commerce and Culture lies the secret of metropolitan greatness, and from the provinces of art and learning, as from the quiet beauty of parks -- which is but art using the eternal elements of Nature for human benefit -- there arise the sweet influences which alone make that union possible.
It has been well over a century since David
MacAdam wrote those words, but they are just as true -- and
perhaps even more urgent -- today. Henry Shaw contributed
generously of his land and time, but provided no endowment
for the park. The funds for necessary restorations as well
as for the day-to-day operations of Tower Grove Park come
from several sources: the City of
St. Louis, fees, grants, and donations.
 The
Friends of Tower Grove Park is a 501C3 not-for-profit
organization founded in 1988 to support the restoration and
enhancement of Tower Grove Park. Its members promote the park
and its activities, raise funds for special projects, and
lend their personal time and commitment. Scroll down to check
out what we have accomplished!
Since 1989 the Friends of Tower Grove Park have:
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Organized and supported ongoing programs including docent-led tours, lecture series, children's concert series, and many other events |
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Raised funds for the restoration of the Lily Pond Shelter and the Chinese Pavilion |
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Met the challenge grant requirements toward the restoration of the Music Stand |
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Supported the restoration of the Grand Entrance Gate |
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Provided funds for the research and restoration of the cast iron cresting on the Sons of Rest shelter |
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Sponsored special events including Victorian Sundays in the Park, Old-Fashioned Fourth of Julys, and Holiday fundraisers |
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Sponsored the Dave Brubeck concert at the Sheldon Concert Hall to benefit several park improvement projects |
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Contributed major funding toward restoration of The
Piper Palm House and the Piper Plant House |
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Researched, located, restored, and replaced the missing plaques from the Alexander von Humboldt statue |
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Supported the Education and Training Fund and provided dues and subscriptions for park staff development |
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Supported the Administrative Support Fund to enhance the staffing of the park office |
In addition to helping to support
these projects, your tax-deductible annual membership dues
will help us achieve the following goals:
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Develop and support events and festivals so that more people can experience the beauties of Tower Grove Park |
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Expand programs such as the highly regarded Friends docent tours |
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Restore, maintain, and improve the health and diversity of the Park's wonderful collection of trees and woody shrubs |
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Develop Tower Grove Park as a venue for appropriate events, including performing arts |
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Expand our outreach -- including educational outreach to school children -- to the citizens of the St. Louis region as well as to visitors to our city |
We also offer docent-guided tours of Tower Grove Park. Click
here for more information.
Click here for
a printable response form that you can mail to the Park if
you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or for more information,
please contact our volunteer coordinator at 314-771-4484.
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