Park Service plans public meetings for potential Arch changes

ST. LOUIS — The National Park Service plans two meetings where the public can comment on possible changes to the grounds of the landmark Gateway Arch.

The first meeting will be from 5 to 8 p.m. June 25 at the visitors’ center in Forest Park. The second will be from 3 to 6:30 p.m. July 1 in the Old Courthouse downtown.

The Park Service has followed a master plan developed by the monument’s famed architect Eero Saarinen for decades, but says it is open to upgrades to the grounds.

Meanwhile, a group of civic leaders, including former Sen. John Danforth, is pushing for bolder changes, including the addition of a new destination museum or cultural institution.