Humans of the Gateway Arch: Meet Tara
In our “Humans of the Gateway Arch” series, we spotlight a member of the Gateway Arch team who helps make the Arch one of the premier travel destinations in the world. The Arch’s park partners work together to attract and welcome visitors to St. Louis’ renovated urban national park, where visitors create lasting memories and return year after year.
Meet Tara Rath, urban fellow at Gateway Arch National Park.
Q: Describe your role at Gateway Arch National Park.
As the park’s urban fellow, I have the privilege of working with the National Park Service staff, its park partners and the community to collaborate on everything from events and programming to special projects and more in and around Gateway Arch National Park.
I am always looking for ways to connect our urban national park to all of the wonderful things that are happening in and around downtown St. Louis, and for ways to remind or educate our visitors and neighbors that we are, in fact, a national park. Gateway Arch National Park is part of a much larger national park system that includes big scenic parks out west such as Yellowstone and Yosemite, as well as many memorials, historic sites, riverways and battlefields. Did you know there are six national park sites right here in Missouri? (And soon to be a seventh!)
Q: How long have you been at the park?
I’ve been in this position for a little over three years. I previously worked for Gateway Arch National Park partner Bi-State Development for nine years in their sales and marketing department.
Q: What are you currently working on?
Saturday, September 28 is National Public Lands Day, one of my favorite days of the year! This is a fun day for visitors of any age and a great way to learn how important and incredible our public lands are.
This year we are excited to once again host yoga for all ages and abilities under the beautiful 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, as well as the Mississippi River Cleanup volunteer service project and the Great MonArch Migration Event, which highlights monarch butterflies’ flight south through our beautiful park with all things monarch related, from gardening tips and crafts to snacks and face painting. All of these activities are free!
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I really enjoy being able to connect partners, community leaders and local groups and organizations with each other and the park. This park, like all others, has so much to offer our community; we are the backyard for the people who live and work downtown. I love taking a walk during lunch and seeing all of the people out jogging, riding their bike, walking their dog or just enjoying their lunch in the park. Technology is amazing, but in my opinion nothing beats getting outside and visiting your local, state and national parks.