Common Ground
Completed Projects
East Stream “Nee Kee Nee”
Named Nee Kee Nee, meaning “revived water” in the language of the Osage people who once inhabited this land, the East Stream is a unique ecological and educational feature that blends stormwater management, native habitat restoration, and outdoor play. Designed to capture and manage runoff from 43 acres of Tower Grove Park, the stream creates a dynamic landscape that supports both environmental sustainability and visitor engagement.
The stream's Headwaters, located just west of the Stupp Center, are fed by a user-activated potable water source that allows visitors to interact directly with the flowing water. Stormwater collected from inlets along Arsenal Street rejoins the stream approximately 300 feet downstream, where a system of weirs, rain gardens, and naturalized channels helps slow, filter, and absorb runoff. Together, these features are designed to capture and manage more than one inch of rainfall during a one-hour storm event while improving water quality and reducing erosion.
Surrounding the stream is a naturalized play environment planted with Missouri native species that provide seasonal beauty, wildlife habitat, and opportunities for exploration and learning. The Headwaters installation incorporates elements inspired by the origin story of the Osage people, recognizing the cultural significance of the land and creating opportunities for visitors to engage with the region's Indigenous history. Interpretive resources developed with input from the Osage Nation further enrich the visitor experience and deepen understanding of the site's cultural and environmental importance.
The East Stream was made possible through the generous support of the Crawford Taylor Foundation, members of the Kindle and Taylor families, and an appropriation from Project Clear of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. Their investment has created an innovative and enduring space where conservation, education, history, and recreation come together in the heart of Tower
Stables
Constructed in 1870, before the widespread use of mechanized equipment, the Tower Grove Park Stables originally housed the working mules that helped maintain the Park's grounds. Located in the northwest quadrant of the Park, just east of the intersection of Magnolia and Alfred Avenues, the historic structure is distinguished by its rustic Missouri limestone walls, bell tower reminiscent of the Alamo, and unusual end-grain woodblock floor.
Over time, the building experienced significant deterioration, including decades of patchwork masonry repairs, settling of portions of the woodblock floor, and deferred maintenance to the roof and other structural elements. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Stables underwent a comprehensive restoration that returned the building to its historic character while equipping it for modern use.
The restoration included extensive tuck-pointing and stone repair, reconstruction of the bell gable, installation of a new roof, windows, and doors, and the addition of architectural lighting. Inside, the historic woodblock floor was carefully removed and reset on new subflooring, while all electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and heating systems were replaced. A horse washing station was added, and the employee restroom was fully refurbished.
Today, the restored Stables serve as the home of Tower Grove Park's equestrian program, including Moonshine the Clydesdale and his companion, Ricochet the miniature horse. Moonshine is a favorite among visitors and serves as the centerpiece of the Park's beloved carriage ride program, while Ricochet delights guests of all ages and helps introduce visitors to the Park's equestrian offerings. Through this careful restoration, the Stables continue to preserve an important piece of the Park's history while supporting one of its most cherished programs.
Turkish & Old Playground Pavilions
The extensive restoration of the Turkish Pavilion and Old Playground Pavilion was completed in the summer of 2021, preserving two of Tower Grove Park's most recognizable and historically significant structures. Both pavilions were originally built in the early 1870s based on plans by architect Eugene Greenleaf at the direction of the Park's founder, Henry Shaw.
Located just inside the Grand Avenue entrance, the octagonal Old Playground Pavilion is distinguished by its iconic blue bell-cast metal roof topped with a domed cupola. The Turkish Pavilion, situated along the east side of Tower Grove Avenue, is easily recognized by its vibrant red-and-white striped roof and unique architectural character.
These two structures are among Tower Grove Park's eleven Victorian-era pavilions, all of which have remained in continuous public use for more than 150 years. As both historic landmarks and active gathering spaces, they serve as enduring examples of the Park's architectural heritage while providing affordable, welcoming venues for families, community groups, and visitors from across the St. Louis region.
The completed restoration project was made possible through the generous support of Ann and Mike Konzen, who funded the restoration of the Turkish Pavilion, and Nancy and Steve Kidwell, whose gift supported the restoration of the Old Playground Pavilion. Additional funding was provided by the Ameren Corporate Charitable Trust. Their support has ensured that these treasured structures will continue to serve and inspire future generations of Park visitors.
West Gatehouse
Constructed in 1870, the West Gatehouse is a distinctive Gothic Revival stone structure that has long served as a landmark within Tower Grove Park. Through a $1.3 million restoration and renovation project, the historic building was preserved and transformed into the Park's primary hub for environmental education, community engagement, and outdoor learning.
The West Gatehouse serves as a central gathering place for field trips, workshops, camps, and nature-based learning experiences that connect people of all ages with the natural world. The building provides welcoming spaces for students, educators, and community members participating in the Park's growing educational programs and community outreach initiatives.
Its location provides immediate access to several of the Park's important natural assets, including the Robert and Martha Gaddy Wild Bird Garden, native prairie plantings, and the Experiential Garden. These resources offer hands-on opportunities for learning about local ecosystems, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
The building is home to Tower Grove Park's Community Engagement Coordinator and two naturalists from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), reflecting the strong and longstanding partnership between the two organizations. Together, Tower Grove Park and MDC collaborate on more than 20 educational programs and events each year, providing free and accessible opportunities for youth, families, schools, and community members to explore and appreciate the natural environment.
Today, the restored West Gatehouse stands as both a preserved historic landmark and a vibrant center for education, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards while strengthening connections between people, nature, and community.
Four Historic Pavilion Restorations
Completed in the spring of 2026, the restoration of the Old Carriage, Humboldt South, Cypress South, and Lily Pond Pavilions represents a major investment in the preservation of Tower Grove Park's historic architectural legacy. Built between 1871 and 1873, these four Victorian-era structures were designed by renowned architects Henry Thiele and Eugene Greenleaf and are among the collection of eleven historic pavilions that contribute to the Park's designation as a National Historic Landmark.
Supported in part by a $500,000 Save America's Treasures grant from the National Park Service and matching contributions from generous donors, the approximately $1 million project addressed critical preservation needs while maintaining the historic character and craftsmanship that make these structures unique. Restoration work included masonry repair and repointing, roof rehabilitation, restoration of historic decorative elements, painting, structural stabilization, and other improvements necessary to ensure the long-term preservation of the pavilions.
For more than 150 years, Tower Grove Park's pavilions have served as beloved gathering places for generations of visitors. Today, they continue to provide affordable and accessible spaces for family celebrations, community events, educational programs, and everyday enjoyment of the Park's beautiful landscape.
Community Basketball Courts
Completed and opened in September 2023, the Community Basketball Courts have quickly become one of Tower Grove Park's most popular and well-used recreational amenities. Featuring two post-tension concrete courts and thoughtfully designed supporting amenities, the project was carefully planned to complement the Park's historic landscape while meeting the needs of a diverse and active community.
The courts were among the most requested additions identified in the Park's 2017 Master Plan, reflecting a strong desire for expanded recreational opportunities that welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. Designed with both durability and accessibility in mind, the courts provide a vibrant space for casual play, organized activities, fitness, and social connection.
Since opening, the Community Basketball Courts have become an important gathering place within the Park, attracting players, families, and spectators from across the region. Their success demonstrates Tower Grove Park's commitment to balancing historic preservation with contemporary amenities that serve the evolving needs of the community.
As a National Historic Landmark and one of St. Louis's most cherished public spaces, Tower Grove Park continues to create opportunities for recreation, wellness, and connection. The Community Basketball Courts embody that mission, offering a welcoming space where people can come together through sport, build community, and experience the spirit of the "People's Park."
Director’s Croquet Garden
Completed in the summer of 2026, the Director's Croquet Garden, located south of Magnolia Avenue and east of the Director's Residence, provides a unique outdoor gathering space for community events, recreation, and special occasions. Designed with reinforced turf for durability and year-round use, the Garden expands the Park's capacity to host activities while supporting earned revenue opportunities.
The space features event lighting, utility connections for structural tents, and convenient access to the nearby catering kitchen and restrooms, creating a flexible venue for a wide range of programs and celebrations.
Made possible through the generous support of the William R. Orthwein, Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation, which contributed $500,000 toward the project, the completed Director's Croquet Garden enhances Tower Grove Park's event infrastructure while providing an inviting new destination for visitors and community gatherings.
Experiential Garden located at the West Gatehouse
Completed in early 2026, the new shade structure in the West Gatehouse Experiential Garden provides a welcoming outdoor space for education, discovery, and community engagement. Made possible through funding from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the project enhances the Garden as a hub for hands-on learning and environmental education.
The space serves as the starting point for field trips, workshops, and nature-based programs led by Tower Grove Park's Education team and the Missouri Department of Conservation. It is also home to the Park's relocated apiary, which is used to create Tower Grove Park's own honey.
Together, Tower Grove Park and the Missouri Department of Conservation provide free educational opportunities that connect local schools and the community with nature through engaging, outdoor experiences.
Event Support Building
Completed in July 2026, the Event Support Building is the most visible and frequently used structure added to Tower Grove Park in many decades. Designed to support both daily park visitors and special events, the facility provides critical infrastructure for Park operations, events, and guest services, including public restrooms, a bike repair station, and a beer garden. It also serves as a trailhead for the Tower Grove Connector. This facility will help enhance the guest experience while supporting the Park’s evolving operational and programming needs.
The Event Support Building was made possible through the generous support of Emerson, Jane Luedde, the Interco Charitable Trust, the William T. Kemper Foundation, and numerous other donors. With all funding successfully secured, the project stands as a significant investment in the Park's infrastructure and its ability to serve the community for generations to come.