Please take some time and read about Malcolm Martin Memorial Park in the following news articles to learn more.

MODEL UNVEILED, GROUND BROKEN FOR NEW MISSISSIPPI RIVER OVERLOOK

Project to Aid in the Revitalization of East St. Louis, While Furthering Gateway
Arch Architect’s Vision of Creating a Memorial Embracing Both Sides of the River.

EAST ST. LOUIS, Mo., September 16, 2006 . . . Representatives of Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD), Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis and several state, county and local officials gathered today at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park in East St. Louis, Ill., to commence construction on the new $4.2 million Mississippi River Overlook project. Unveiled at the event was an oversized model of the 43-foot tall viewing platform that will provide a spectacular view of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, as well as the Gateway Geyser, the world’s tallest fountain that shoots water 600 feet straight up in the air reaching the same height as the Gateway Arch. The event also was highlighted by rides on a lift to witness the remarkable views the Overlook will offer. It marked the latest milestone in a comprehensive development plan designed to further Gateway Arch Architect Eero Saarinen’s vision of creating a memorial embracing both sides of the Mississippi.

The Mississippi River Overlook Platform will be a handicap accessible, poured-in-place concrete structure made up of five, tiered observation deck areas, each at eight foot intervals. The structure will be 195’6” long, by 24’ wide, by 43’ 6” tall, and highlighted by an illuminated stainless steel railing system and both illuminated and non-illuminated bollard standards. This phase of the project will include road improvements set to widen the curved roadway at Front Street and Trendley Avenue and to create a visitor drop-off point capable of accommodating passenger vehicles and school buses on Trendley Avenue. A visitor congregation area equipped with seating, site lighting and more is also planned.

“Not only will this project transform the East St. Louis shore line, it will serve as a catalyst for the continued revitalization of this community,” commented Harold Byers, president of MEPRD. “We have much to look forward to as this site becomes the ‘Forest Park’ of the Metro East.”

Initial plans for the park got underway a little over a year ago when the Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis officially transferred title to the Gateway Geyser and 34.1 acres of riverfront grounds to the MEPRD to create the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park to honor Gateway Center’s founder. Thanks to additional funding by Gateway Center, construction on this phase of the park is proceeding at no cost to the City of East St. Louis or the MEPRD.
This project is the first phase of a comprehensive development plan that calls for the creation of an accessible, public park for the citizens of East St. Louis and the region. Ultimatley, it will feature an amphitheater and stage for school and community performances, and other special events. Additional attractions planned for the site include a cultural interpretive area commemorating the history and people of East St. Louis; a natural interpretive area for educating children about the Mississippi River ecosystem; a sweeping, open lawn for viewing fireworks and other recreational activities; and planned connections to the Eads Bridge, recreation trails, MetroLink and the Casino Queen. When complete, the park is expected to attract 300,000 to 400,000 visitors per year and transform the East St. Louis Riverfront into a tourist and cultural hot spot.

East St. Louis Mayor Carl Officer states, “Malcolm Martin’s vision for this park could only be overshadowed by the vision of Eero Saarinen in his dream of the Gateway to the West. I am proud of the foundation’s efforts and the leadership of the Metro Park and Recreation District’s to recognize the vision and make the dream come to life for all the people to share.”

The Mississippi River Overlook project will create dozens of construction, maintenance and security jobs and is expected to spur additional developments and enhancements along the riverfront. Helping to bring this initiative to life is a project team that includes Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK), L. Wolf Company, Juneau Associates, Lugge Concrete Construction, Troco, LLC, Guarantee Electrical, Nebco Steel Erectors, Slater Construction, Keeley & Sons, Clark Trucking and Mason’s Landscaping. Construction is slated for completion in the summer of 2007.

Marshall Hier, president of Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis, summed up the regional significance of the landmark project. ”When this platform is finished, to the west, the visitor will have an unobstructed view of Saarinen’s magnificent Arch and the St. Louis skyline; to the east, a view of the world-class jet Geyser and four smaller fountains. To the north and south, the visitor will see a broad stretch of the mighty river that is shared by our two states. In a more metaphorical sense, however, Malcolm envisioned that this platform would allow people from both sides of the Mississippi to see that they are bound by a common destiny and that it would inspire them to work together for the area’s common good.”

The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) was formed by voters in November 2000, and is responsible for the development of parks, greenways, and trails in Madison County and St. Clair County, Illinois. The District supplements the efforts of local governments, special districts, and other jurisdictions already engaged in the management of parks and recreation facilities. The park district is the first of its kind in Illinois, serving over half a million residents in an area larger in size than the State of Rhode Island. For more information, visit www.meprd.org

MALCOLM MARTIN mEMORIAL Park

East St. Louis, Ill., Jan. 6, 2006 . . . The Community Development Committee of the East St. Louis City Council last night paved the way for the continuation of the work of the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) to transform a section of the East St. Louis riverfront into an expansive 31-acre riverfront park. The committee approved the proposed plans for the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park and authorized the creation of the Malcolm W. Martin Conservation District to help facilitate the project’s development.  The plan is set to go before the full City Council later this month. It outlines a comprehensive development project that will bring Gateway Arch architect Eero Saarinen’s decade’s old dream of a memorial embracing both shores of the Mississippi River full-circle.

The redevelopment project serves as a significant milestone in the overall revitalization of the East St. Louis Riverfront. Initial plans for the park got underway last summer when the Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis officially transferred title of the Gateway Geyser and 34.1 acres of riverfront grounds to the MEPRD to create the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park to honor Gateway Center’s founder. Thanks to $2.5 million in funds from Gateway Center, construction on the park can begin this spring at no cost to the City of East St. Louis once final approvals and permits are in place.

Anchored by the Gateway Geyser, which is believed to be the world’s tallest fountain, the park will provide spectacular views of the Gateway Arch and serve as an accessible, public park for the citizens of East St. Louis and the region. Being dubbed a “Forest Park” for the Metro East, the site will feature a 40-foot platform for viewing the Geyser, the Arch and the Mississippi River; an amphitheater and stage for school and community performances, and space for other special events. Additional highlights will include a cultural interpretive area commemorating the history and people of East St. Louis and a natural interpretive area for educating children about the Mississippi River ecosystem. Visitors also will be able to enjoy activity areas for children, seniors and the disabled; sweeping, open lawn spaces for viewing fireworks and other recreational activities; and planned connections to the Eads Bridge, recreation trails, MetroLink and the Casino Queen. The plans were developed for MEPRD by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK).

“Our hope is that the new park will turn the East St. Louis Riverfront into a regional destination and will serve as a catalyst for further revitalization in the City of East St. Louis,” said Pam Hogan, president of the MEPRD.  “It will create construction job opportunities, as well as long term jobs in areas such as grounds maintenance and security. And, as a future tourism destination, it will bring visitors and their dollars into our community. It’s a great project for the City of East St. Louis and we’re very pleased to have the city’s support so we can move forward.”

East St. Louis Mayor Carl Officer believes there will be long-term positive benefits as the project unfolds. “I am very overwhelmed with the positive response of all the parties that have worked so tirelessly to be inclusive of our regional approach to sharing the East St. Louis riverfront with all citizens,” notes Mayor Officer. “I’m further excited about the expansion of economic development, and the marriage of the beauty of the landscape, the history and traditions, and the future opportunities that abound for the region.”

Dr. Karen Cason, chair of the community development committee, shares Mayor Officer’s enthusiasm for the development itself, and for the efforts of the MEPRD to transform the plans into reality.  “It truly will be a milestone project for our city and we look forward to seeing it take shape,” notes Dr. Cason.  “It will be a huge step in the continued revitalization of our riverfront. Just as St. Louis has the Arch and related museum, we will be expanding educational, historical and cultural offerings for residents of our own community, who will experience a renewed sense of pride as they watch individuals from all walks of life flock to this unique park that will come to life right in our own backyards.”

In the coming weeks, the Metro East Park and Recreation District will be announcing information about an open house where all the details of the park proposal will be available for viewing by the public.  “It’s beyond comprehension to become a part of Eero Saarinen’s vision and finally watch it come to fruition, and we look forward to having the citizens of East St. Louis share in our excitement over this project,” adds Mike Buehlhorn, MEPRD’s executive director. “MEPRD is privileged to have East St. Louis’ and Gateway Center’s trust in our ability to make this dream a reality.”

Founded by philanthropist Malcolm W. Martin, who shared Saarinen’s vision, Gateway Center worked tirelessly to raise funds to protect the tract of land along the Illinois riverfront across from the Arch from commercial development.

By 1984, Martin’s work helped to persuade Congress to pass legislation to establish a commission to develop a plan that would compliment the Gateway Arch. Members of Gateway Center then raised $4 million in private donations to build the Gateway Geyser, which began operating in May 1995, and will now serve as a focal point of the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park on the East St. Louis Riverfront.

East St. Louis Proclaimed Gateway to the World

by Bob Moore
© 2005, Southwest Illinois News

EAST ST. LOUIS, IL, (SWI-News.com), October 29, 2005 - East St. Louis, directly across the Mississippi River from Saint Louis and the Gateway Arch, is experiencing a renewed interest in rebuilding its riverfront.

The Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis was formed by St. Louis lawyer Malcolm W. Martin, back in 1968 with the intention of doing something on the east side to fulfill Eero Saarinen's dream of having a memorial on both sides of the Mississippi River.

The Gateway Geyser fountain, powered by three 800-horse-power pumps, discharging 8,000 gallons of water per minute at 250 feet per second, was completed in 1995 at a cost of $4 million.

In June 2005, the dedication of the Malcolm Martin Memorial Park marked a significant milestone in the revitalization of the East St. Louis Riverfront. The Gateway Center officially transferred title to the Gateway Geyser and the 34.1 acres of ground leading from the soaring fountain west to the Mississippi River to the Metro East Park and Recreation District.

The Gateway Geyser was illuminated for the first time, October 28, to pay special tribute to the Gateway Arch on its 40th Anniversary.

In remarks to dignitaries and local officials, East St. Louis Mayor Carl Officer said, "This is the world's highest geyser. I think it is important for us to recognize that Susan's father, Eero Saarinen, over forty-five years ago, envisioned his world class monument not to St. Louis, not to America but to all mankind."

"If St. Louis is the Gateway to the West," continued the Mayor, "I welcome you now to East St. Louis, the Gateway to the World."

The Mayor noted that he had many interesting conversations with Malcolm Martin when he was a younger mayor of East St. Louis. "East St. Louis was a different city then," stated Mayor Officer. "But I am proud to stand here today to look to the west and say that the Cargill Grain Elevator is going. They are going voluntarily because they want to save East St. Louis."

"We have worked out an arrangement with the new developer who has been designated for the area between the Popular Street Bridge and the Casino Queen property. They are going to be a great partner with the Park District," stated Mayor Officer.

Susan Saarinen stated that her father's Gateway Arch design was chosen in 1948. It took until 1965 to finish the project. She noted that when he first envisioned the Arch and this whole competition complex, it involved both sides of the river.

"Now it seems that East St. Louis and the east side of the river is actually coming into its own," continued Saarinen. "Of course there is going to be lots of perspiration. You already know that."

Saarinen and Mayor Officer "flipped the switch" in a ceremonial lighting of the Gateway Geyser. The fountain will run for 15 minutes every half hour between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., October 29, marking the final time the Gateway Geyser will be operated for the 2005 season.
http://www.swi-news.com/E-STLNews.htm