News Release

Gateway Arch National Park Receives Grant for EKO

Date: November 17, 2022
Contact: Pam Sanfilippo, 314-655-1611
Contact: Riley Mullgardt, 314-728-9442

T. LOUIS—Gateway Arch National Park has received a $40,000 grant from the National Park Foundation in support of the park’s Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) program. The grant funds fourth grade students’ visits to Gateway Arch National Park, covering Tram Ride to the Top tickets as well as transportation to and from the park when part of a scheduled education program. During the 2021-2022 school year, 1,276 students were served through the park’s EKO grant. Park partner Jefferson National Parks Association is serving as the fiscal agent for the grant. 

“We are so grateful to the National Park Foundation for their generosity in bringing students to Gateway Arch National Park, where they can learn about the significance of the Arch and surrounding areas, and why the park is important in the story of America,” says Pam Sanfilippo, Program Manager, Museum Services & Interpretation, Gateway Arch National Park.  

EKO is a federal public lands partnership created to inspire U.S. fourth graders and their families to recreate, explore cultures, discover connections to nature and spark a lifelong passion for America’s great outdoors. All fourth graders, including homeschooled and free-choice learners, can get a pass that covers entrance or standard amenity day use fees at National Park Service sites as well as many other federal lands and waters. To get a Fourth Grade Pass, visit everykidoutdoors.gov, complete an online activity, and download and print a personalized voucher to exchange at a participating site, including Gateway Arch National Park. The pass is good for one year. 

ABOUT GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK: Gateway Arch National Park is a unit of the National Park System that commemorates Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a unified continental nation and St. Louis’ role as the gateway to the American West during the 19th century and preserves the Old Courthouse as the site of the Dred Scott case. The park includes the Gateway Arch, the Arch grounds and the Old Courthouse, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. Admission to the Museum at the Gateway Arch is free, and most programs are free of charge and open to the public. Many programs and events at the park benefit from the generous support from park partners Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Jefferson National Parks Association, and Bi-State Development. The Gateway Arch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Old Courthouse is currently closed. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  For more information about Gateway Arch National Park, visit NPS.gov/jeff.