The HOK-designed restoration of Forest Park, delivered in collaboration with Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis, has received the American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2025 Landmark Award. The honor recognizes a historic landscape that preserves its design integrity while delivering measurable valuable to the community.
HOK began leading the park’s transformation in 2000, revitalizing one of the nation’s most significant urban green spaces ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2004. Home to the 1904 World’s Fair, the park had deteriorated for decades and needed a comprehensive restoration to reclaim its role as a beloved civic asset.
Saint Louis Art Museum overlooking the Grand Basin
The multidisciplinary effort revitalized historic landmarks including the Grand Basin, Government Hill and Post-Dispatch Lake. The team restored ecosystems, added seasonal and evergreen plantings, updated fountains and lighting, enhanced pedestrian connections and modernized park amenities.
Image of Post-Dispatch Lake courtesy of Forest Park Forever
“At 1,326 acres, Forest Park is one of the nation’s largest urban park and remains at the heart of St. Louis,” said Brian Jencek, HOK’s director of planning. “Our work honors George Kessler’s original vision while embracing modern sustainability and resilience. By restoring ecosystems, improving access and creating inclusive spaces, we’ve prepared the park to serve its community—and future generations—as a vibrant, democratic landscape.”
Image of the Grand Basin and greenery courtesy of Forest Park Forever
Beyond planning and landscape work, HOK has helped shape Forest Park through the design of iconic destinations, including the St. Louis Planetarium, expansions for the Missouri History Museum and Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Living World at the Saint Louis Zoo. HOK remains a trusted advisor to cultural institutions in the park, helping them enhance their venues and provide memorable visitor experiences.
Learn more about Forest Park’s legacy and HOK’s restoration in Landscape Architecture magazine.