Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
On June 7th, 2005, Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis officially transferred title of the Gateway Geyser and the 34.1 acres of grounds, known as the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, to Metro East Park and Recreation District. The Gateway Center had worked tirelessly for 40 years to protect the property from commercial development and, with the transfer, was entrusting MEPRD with the task of bringing to life the dream of their founder and benefactor, Malcolm W. Martin, to transform the property into a true memorial park complementing the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial grounds across the river. On June 18th, 2005, the park was officially dedicated as the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, in honor of the man whose passion, dedication and generosity made the project possible.
In January 2006, the East St. Louis City Council passes a resolution designating the property as a park/conservation area to help facilitate the project's development and preserve it for years to come. The park's development has been largely funded through donations provided by the Gateway Center Board, valued at over $15 million for both the park's creation and its ongoing maintenance, so it can be enjoyed by future generations. Gateway's Board continues to support major developments within the park, which today is home to the Gateway Geyser and the Mississippi River Overlook. The Malcolm. W. Martin Memorial Park officially opened to the public in the spring of 2009.
Park Hours
April thru October - Daily (Dawn to 10:00 PM)
November thru March - Sunday thru Thursday (Dawn to Dusk), Friday and Saturday (Dawn to 10:00 PM)
Gateway Geyser Schedule
April thru October - Daily (12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 9:00 PM)
November thru March - No eruptions are scheduled during these months.
Address
185 W. Trendley Ave.
East St. Louis, Illinois 62201
Phone number: 618-346-4905
Detailed Driving Directions
View Map
Experience the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park via a Webcam
MEPRD is excited to host EarthCam sponsored by the Confluence Greenway. Web users now have the ability to view MWMMP and the St. Louis Skyline live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Confluence recently installed two webcams on the St. Louis, MO and East St. Louis, IL riverfronts making them a member of the global video community. Click here to take a peek.
Learn More...
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, located on the East St. Louis Riverfront, complements the renowned Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, home of the St. Louis Gateway Arch, across the Mississippi River. Eero Saarinen, designer of the St. Louis Arch, originally included a park on both sides of the Mississippi River; decades later his vision has become a reality.
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park boasts two distinct features: the Mississippi River Overlook and a fountain known as the Gateway Geyser. The Gateway Geyser erupts four times a day during the spring and summer months. The main fountain of the geyser was designed with the capability to reach 630 feet, as tall as the Arch itself.
The geyser is surrounded by a small lake and four fountains, representing the four rivers that meet at St. Louis. The geyser is powered by three 800 horsepower pumps, and can shoot 7,500 gallons of water per minute at the rate of 250 feet per second. The four smaller fountains are powered by a 125 horsepower pump. The lake surrounding the geyser is six acres, 600 feet in diameter, and contains more than a million gallons of water. Nearby aircraft are alerted by a beacon on the roof of the pump house when the geyser will soon go off.
The Mississippi River Overlook stands 40 ft. tall on the opposite end of the park. Its tiered structure boasts stainless steel railings and architectural concrete. The MRO offers visitors marvelous views of the park, both sides of the Mississippi River, and the St. Louis City Skyline. The new park also provides passive open green space for visitors to enjoy. The Metro East Park and Recreation District owns and operates the park grounds. The park is the result of a partnership between MEPRD and the Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis.
Click here to learn more about Malcolm W. Martin
Tourists Welcomed
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park (MMMP) is just a short walk or drive from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. MMMP is located on the East Bank of the Mississippi River and offers unobstructed views of the City of St. Louis Skyline ( click here to take a peak). It is also home to the Gateway Geyser, the second tallest water feature in the world (runs April-October). Tourists are encouraged to visit and take in a new view of the Mississippi, the Gateway Arch and the City of St. Louis skyline.
Click for Walking Directions | MetroLink Directions | Driving Directions
Group Tours
Experience Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park with a group; whether friends, family, or school groups, it is a wonderful way to experience the park and all it has to offer. Groups are always welcome at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park. MWMMP is home of the Gateway Geyser and Mississippi River Overlook. If you are interested in visiting with a group and would like more information please contact Metro East Park and Recreation District at 618-346-4905. It may also be possible to have a special geyser eruption during your visit if you are visiting during a non-scheduled eruption time (for groups of 20+).
United We Serve, Public Service Announcement filmed at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
United We Serve - President Obama is calling for all Americans to participate in the nations recovery and renewal by serving their community. There are many ways to get involved. America's new foundation will be built one community at a time. Current volunteers were recently interviewed at Malcolm Martin Memorial Park. Click here to learn more about serving or to view their stories.