St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry

The Parks Division of the St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry operates and maintains 105 parks in the City of St. Louis, including Forest Park. For detailed information about Forest Park's various facilities, picnic permits, the master gardening program, and other city-managed functions, visit the Park Division, or call (314) 289-5300.

Forest Park maintenance and capital improvements are funded by the City of St. Louis along with private contributions to Forest Park Forever. The Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, and Science Center are members of the Zoo/Museum property tax district and as such receive both city and county tax support, but the Park itself does not.

Because of the City's relatively low tax base, private donations are critical for meeting the Park's extensive maintenance needs. Friends of Forest Park Forever, corporations, and private foundations are all part of the ongoing strategy for the Park's care. Direct maintenance costs are estimated at $4.5 million; other City services (roads, utilities, security) add $3 million to the annual maintenance needs for a total of $7.5 million each year.

To play a role in the Park's preservation and learn about the benefits of membership, we invite you to Join Online.