Updates / News /
Updates / News /
This article was originally published in our spring 2024 newsletter, View 630'.
In July 2018, crowds gathered in Downtown St. Louis for the grand re-opening of Gateway Arch National Park. St. Louis natives and out-of-towners alike were introduced to an all-new visitor experience, including a state-of-the-art museum, a fully-accessible visitor center, and 91 acres of revitalized, urban green space. The $380 million CityArchRiver Project was a historic partnership between the private sector and federal, state, and local government agencies — much of which was facilitated by the small but mighty team at Gateway Arch Park Foundation.
Only one year into its park stewardship role, the Foundation was already exceeding expectations. Blues at the Arch Festival and Winterfest were each entering their third annual celebrations, Kiener Plaza and the Riverfront had officially reopened to the public, and Downtown St. Louis was entering a new era of positive economic momentum. As more opportunities arose, the team found itself taking on more responsibilities as Gateway Arch National Park’s official philanthropic conservancy.
Nearly six years have passed since the park’s grand reopening, and we are proud to say that the Foundation’s influence has only expanded. Even through a global pandemic, growing investment in the Foundation has allowed us to take on even more projects that uplift the park and surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis.
Events like Blues at the Arch Festival, Winterfest, and Sunrise Yoga continue to see record-breaking attendance year after year. Schoolchildren in and around St. Louis have access to more educational opportunities thanks to Foundation-supported programs like the Journey Fund, Paddle Your Park, and ranger-led education courses. Park preservation efforts are at an all-time high, supported by the hundreds of volunteers who contribute thousands of service hours each year. And, of course, the final phase of the CityArchRiver Project is well underway as renovations continue at the Old Courthouse.
To match these accomplishments, Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s team has grown significantly since 2018. At a record 15 staff members, the Foundation now has the capacity to enhance its ever-growing membership program, expand pre-existing endeavors, and continuously support our hometown national park.
We are excited to introduce you to our three most recent additions to the team, all of whom support the Foundation’s mission every day.
Arielle ClaypoolIn October 2023, the Foundation welcomed Arielle Claypool as our new Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing. With nearly a decade of experience working at global public relations agencies on behalf of some of the most well-known brands in the country, Arielle leads the Foundation’s communications strategies with the goal of raising awareness of our mission while building and maintaining our reputation in the St. Louis region.
“Being part of Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a dream job for me. I feel incredibly lucky to pour my experience into an organization that aligns so well with my personal values while also supporting the work that creates a monumental impact in the St. Louis community where I grew up. There are days when I ask myself, ‘Do I really get to do this as my job?’”
Grace TeofiloThe Foundation welcomed Grace Teofilo as our new Volunteer Manager in February of this year. Grace’s professional experience includes facilitating local partnerships between university students and the community, developing interpretive distance learning curricula during COVID, and traveling the country while serving in a conservation corps. Grace previously served as a seasonal interpretive park ranger at Gateway Arch National Park and is excited to continue to support the park through her work at the Foundation.
“My love for the national parks was sparked as a child when I would travel to these fantastic locations with my family each summer. I’m thrilled to be working with our amazing volunteers, who inspire me with their deep love for the Gateway Arch and the city of St. Louis. I never get tired of looking up at the Arch each day and am honored to play a part in preserving its legacy.”
Ainsley Worthley joined the Foundation as our Communications and Marketing Coordinator in April of this year. With a unique background ranging from large-scale public relations and advertising agency work at Weber Shandwick to daily operations management at Saint Louis University’s college radio station, Ainsley is excited to jump in and focus her attention on our mission, projects, and connection to the overall St. Louis community.
“It feels as if each new thing I learn about the Foundation only strengthens my appreciation for the mission and the initiatives I see us working towards every day. I still pinch myself a bit whenever I catch a glimpse of the Arch around the city. I am so thankful for this opportunity to support the relationship between St. Louis (and the nation!) and such an iconic landmark.”
St. Louis has always been a city that knows the warmth of community during this time of year. YOU can continue this legacy by joining our mission to uplift our great city and its hometown national park.
JOIN TODAY to enjoy a host of member benefits and the good feeling that comes from being a part of history and enriching the lives of more than two million annual visitors and guests to downtown St. Louis.