Wallace Stegner, the late historian known as the dean of writers on the American West, once said that our national parks are “the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic. They reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”

It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in this community. For the same reasons national parks stand as America’s best idea, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and Gateway Arch that grace St. Louis’ riverfront arguably represent this city’s single greatest civic accomplishment. Their imposing and stirring presence touch all people. They remind us of the heights we are capable of reaching when we are at our best.

Today, the National Park Service — after 18 months of working with leaders and ordinary citizens, here and throughout the nation — has presented the clearest and most comprehensive blueprint since completion of the Gateway Arch for how that legacy can be renewed, reinforced, broadened and animated for future generations.

It comes in the form of the final “General Management Plan for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial” —  a 298-page document that sets forth in detail how the Arch, the Old Courthouse and surrounding properties could be improved and administered over the next 15 to 20 years.

Read more...