Diversity of culture in the region is a must. I sugest ethnic/historical vendors along Lenore K Sullivan year round, featuring folklore/food, and make the arch grounds picnic friendly.

The National Parks system is not really big into putting businesses on the grounds of its parks. There are several exceptions but for the most part they rather just leave things as they are. The key issue is accessibility and not having to walk so far to reach The Arch. I do not really see a way that this could be resolved without adding more parking . But would you want to have parking up to the base of The Arch?
The only proposal that I think makes any sense to me is the covering of the Depressed Section next to The Arch.
It would be nice to have a riverboat attached to the arch as a floating museum of the river front. The would augment the Museum that is located under The Arch.

It all starts with the pedestrian “lid”. I work downtown and frequently walk to the arch. It’s crazy to get to. I now understand the logistics however am always seeing “tourists” struggling with the crossover lights and walkways. It needs to be an extension of the the Old Court House and be named Dred Scott Way.

Also, the events for fourth of July need to be patriotic music played with the St. Louis symphony orchestra. Why do we not celebrate our own? We need to have reasons for families to come to the park.

Make the park more community friendly. A playground for kids, dog park, and small music pavillion for community plays. Maybe boats in the lakes. Make it our Central Park.

Let’s make the archgrounds a true destination place where families can enjoy themselves before and after they ride to the top of the arch. Let’s create on site a park similar to Millennium Park in Chicago.

I don’t have any particular idea or even strong feelings about what can go onto the Arch grounds. Unlike some of the other comments, however, I don’t feel a need to “respect” the current property. The arch grounds were designed by mid-century modern architects so in love with themselves and out of touch with the City that they gutted the heart and soul of the riverfront in order to frame their vision. These are the same genre who brought us the filth of Pruitt-Igoe-like housing projects, tore down and defaced some of the most historic buildings for more green space, and generally disrespected any sense of innate beauty for their own self-aggrandizement. The Arch itself is a magnificent accomplishment, and an engineering wonder, which would be the focal point whether it’s in a barren green field with unwelcoming concrete steps and dotted with algae-filled ponds (as it is now) or whether there are buildings, strolling performers, musicians, or even low-key city blocks that allow for a full view of the Arch itself.

I would like to see more parking and easier access to the Arch. We had some relatives from the East Coast visiting several years ago. The weather was pretty chilly and windy during their visit. When they saw the distance we had to walk in that weather, they decided not to go. They commented on the fact that it is a long walk from the parking lot to the Arch and that maybe a shuttle of some sort would be a good thing when the weather is not cooperating. This would be wonderful for seniors, who travel a lot, and for the handicapped, who don’t because of the distance.
I would also like to see at least two mid-priced resturants - one on the north side and one on the south side of the Arch. NOT fast food!!!
Another good thing would be some sort of an above-ground, safe walk-way from downtown to the Arch grounds.
Whatever is done to the Arch grounds - PLEASE don’t junk it up!!!

I recommend that there be a beachfront area and swimming pool on higher ground near the Mississippi where there would be vendors of food, drinks, and supplies throughout the summer. Have beach parties and local band concerts as well as volleyball, badminton, and frisbee tournaments just like a normal beach. After all, probably the closest really known beachfront is along Lake Michigan near Chicago. The VP Fair could be basically eliminated as attendance has probably been going down for a number of years when you don’t include popular concerts.

An admission fee should be charged like $5 to $7 a person to help pay for it.

I too do not want to see the Arch grounds junked up. I love all the green space that is there now. However, perhaps there could be an outdoor cafe or something. It’s hard to find something to eat/drink in that area without walking all the way back downtown.

Please do not follow the current trend and start putting up condominiums. We already have too many as it is. The green space is important and needs to be kept.

Perhaps I read it wrong but how does the NPS have a say in whether or not a pedestrian lid goes over I-70. Isn’t that the jurisdiction of MoDOT?

To AJ and STLBLOWS-Get a life. And while you’re at it-move out of your Mommy’s basement. Ignorant and hateful people like you are just ignored anyway-so why bother.

I believe we need some cafes and a fun area that overlooks the river and we need to connect the main part of downtown with the riverfront-as John Danforth has suggested. On this thread, Paul had some great ideas as well. Let’s make it happen!!