Forest Park Forever aims to raise $130 million in private funds to complete $30 million in strategic restoration projects called for in the Forest Park Master Plan and to expand Forest Park Forever’s endowment by $100 million.
The multi-year fundraising initiative is called “Forever: The Campaign for Forest Park’s Future.”
On Friday, Forest Park Forever announced that it has raised $116.9 million in private gifts toward the organization’s $130 million goal – the most ambitious fundraising effort in the park’s history.
“At this critical juncture in the park’s history, Forest Park Forever is committed to securing the future of this beloved destination,” said Lesley S. Hoffarth, president and executive director of Forest Park Forever. “The Forever campaign will significantly improve Forest Park for today’s visitors, while also ensuring that the park will remain beautiful and welcoming for our children and our children’s children.”
The planned restoration and improvement projects include renewed landscapes and waterways, revitalized recreation and amenities, renovated community event spaces, and improved safety, access and circulation.
The campaign is led by Honorary Campaign Chair Jack C. Taylor and Campaign Chair John H. Ferring IV. The Forever Campaign Cabinet is comprised of Anne O’Connell Albrecht, Thomas R. Collins, Steven L. Finerty, Ann Liberman, James F. Mann, Sue McCollum and Lawrence E. Thomas.
For more information, visit theforevercampaign.org.