Tower Grove Park Director To Retire

         John Karel, director of Tower Grove Park for the past 27 years, has announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2014. The park’s Board of Commissioners will immediately launch a search process to identify his successor.

         “After 27 years of commitment and vision, there is no question that Tower Grove Park’s future is absolutely brighter than before John became Director,” said  Robert W. Sellers, Board president. “His tireless dedication has transformed the Park, and the surrounding community, into a beautiful focal point for the City of St. Louis. We can truly say, “The Park has never looked better.”

         During Karel’s tenure, Tower Grove Park has achieved a National Historic Landmark designation, preserving its legacy and ensuring its future. A number of the historic pavilions have been restored, including the Lily Pond Shelter, Music Stand, and Pool Pavilion, as well as all park entrances and gates. The Piper Palm House was restored and adapted for public use, while the historic Plant House was converted to administrative purposes. Annual Park visitation has increased from 500,000 in 1987 to more than 2.4 million in 2013.

         “I am proud of the revitalization and strength of Tower Grove Park that we have accomplished, and of the service provided to the people of St. Louis,” said Karel. “The Park is one of our city’s real jewels and it continues to live up to the vision that Henry Shaw had for it more than 150 years ago.”

         Among other achievements and enhancements under Karel’s leadership are:

·      Establishment of the Tower Grove Foundation, the Friends of Tower Grove Park, Tower Grove Park Society, and Tower Grove Park Legacy Club;

·      Total capital improvements, over and above the City appropriations and funded by grants and private donations, amounting to almost $27 million;

·      Restoration of the Park’s many statues, ponds, trails and fountains;

·      Planting of 3,500 new trees and increased diversity in the Park’s vegetation;

·      Installation of new streetlights and restoration of the Park’s sports and recreation facilities, including the addition of a horse and carriage ride program;

·      Construction of a new maintenance building, storage shed and carriage shed; and

·      Creation of an environment that encouraged and nourished new special events and public programs, including the annual Festival of Nations, Café Madeleine, numerous walks/runs, music concerts, a Farmer’s Market, and annual observances for Shakespeare’ and Von Humbolt’s birthdays and Columbus Day.

         “John is leaving the park with a sound financial position, with reliable sources of ongoing public and private support, and with our facilities in outstanding shape,” noted Sellers. “The list of his contributions to the Park and to our City is a testament to his leadership abilities and his love for this very special place.”

          Tower Grove Park was first authorized by a state law passed on March 9, 1867, and came into existence on October 20, 1868, when Henry Shaw conveyed lands to the City of St. Louis, by deed of gift. The 289-acre  park is second in size in St. Louis, and exceeds the next largest local park by more than 100 acres. Tower Grove Park is owned by the City of St. Louis and governed by a special Board of Commissioners appointed under the authority of the Missouri Supreme Court.

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