News Release

National Park Service Releases Community Assistance Program Directory

Date: August 30, 2017
Contact: Tara Rath, 314-265-1766

ST. LOUIS—In addition to the 417 National Park Service units, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial being one ofthose, the National Park Service is also proud to support communities across the country through 54 communityassistance programs. Recently, the Directory of NPS Community Assistance Programs was released.

Community assistance programs of the National Park Service empower local organizations to advance historic preservation and conservation work in rural and urban communities across the United States. These programs serve as economic drivers, transforming underutilized places into community assets that enhance quality of life and boost local
economies through tourism and job creation.

Through a partnership with the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, a $450,000 grant was recently awarded from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) to build a 1.2-acre soccer field in the City of Wellston, Missouri.

"We're excited about our continued collaboration with the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, the City of Wellston and other partners on the addition of a 1.2-acre soccer field,” says Mike Ward, Superintendent, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. “The soccer field will allow children in the area to have a safe place to play outdoors in an area that is underserved by parks and open space, and it will provide an opportunity for the community to come together to be involved in an organized support where none currently exists."

This is just one example of the kind of community support that is available. You can learn about the programs highlighted in the Directory of NPS Community Assistance Programs. The programs outlined provide funding, technical assistance, and other resources to community groups for historic preservation, investment in historic sites, recreation and improved access to public lands, and education and professional development in and outside national parks.

Please take some time to check out the community assistance program website. For more information please contact Tara Rath, National Park Service Urban Fellow for St. Louis at 314-265-1766 or [e-mail].

ABOUT: The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, which features the Journey to the Top tram ride and the documentary film Monument to the Dream, is open daily during the winter from 9 am to 6 pm, and from 8 am to 10 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Old Courthouse, which features westward expansion exhibits, is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm in the winter, and from 7:30 am to 8 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Old Courthouse is located at 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102. Most programs are FREE of charge and open to the public. Programs and events at the park are made possible by the generous support from our cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association, and Bi-State Development. To purchase Arch tickets, go online to www.gatewayarch.com, call 877-982-1410, or visit the Arch Ticketing & Visitor Center at the Old Courthouse. NOTE: The Arch’s museum is currently closed for renovations.