Leffingwell Society Celebrates Spring, Continued Recovery
A Toast to the Tulips
On April 16, Forest Park Forever Leffingwell Society members enjoyed a happy hour among April flowers on a picture-perfect spring day in Forest Park. At a special pop-up venue atop Art Hill created just for this occasion, attendees enjoyed great company and live music with a beautiful view.
Forest Park Forever President and Executive Director Lesley S. Hoffarth provided updates on construction at the Glade, renovations at the Boathouse and ongoing tornado recovery. She also highlighted two major milestones we’re celebrating in 2026: Forest Park Forever’s 40th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of the best city park in the country, a title recently bestowed on Forest Park for the third time in the past five years!
Celebrating Our Past, Embracing Renewal
Spring is a time to pause and appreciate the seasonal refresh, and renewal is at the heart of much of our nonprofit conservancy’s work in 2026. In partnership with the City of St. Louis, we’re managing several transformations, some that have been in the works for years and others that were more recently planned in response to the May 16, 2025, tornado.
We’ll continue to plant more trees than ever before to restore the Park’s canopy, create two new entry markers to welcome visitors and improve mobility, enjoy a refreshed dining and rental experience at our beloved Boathouse and usher in a new era of all-season programs and events when the Glade opens later this year.
Much of this work is supported by our Leffingwell Society members, and we were excited to take time to celebrate their leadership giving! Leffingwell Society memberships provide more than 75% of the annual funds our nonprofit raises for daily care of Forest Park.
You Can Support Our Work in Every Season, Too!
As the nonprofit conservancy that maintains Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever employs experts in land management, ecology, conservation, park operations, community engagement, education and visitor services. We’re now using our expertise to integrate long-term tornado recovery into our annual plans and the master plan for Forest Park.
There’s work to do and many ways you can help!
Learn more about the Leffingwell Society.
Become a member of Forest Park Forever to provide ongoing support.
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Keep up with our tornado recovery efforts.
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