Help Restore Fountain Park After the Devastating Tornado

by | May 29, 2025

Fountain Park after the tornado

Fountain Park Needs Our Help

One of the many casualties of the devastating tornado that struck St. Louis was Fountain Park, located just a few blocks north of Bowood Farms. Most of the old trees are gone and the beloved statue toppled.

Fountain Park was developed in 1857 and is home to the only statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Missouri. To assist in the restoration of this significant place Bowood Farms has partnered with Magnificent Missouri to create a fund for storm clean-up, statue repair, and future replanting and beautification of the park landscape.

Fountain Park is home to the only statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the state of Missouri.

The only statue of Martin Luther King, Jr., in the state of Missouri

The only statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the state of Missouri. Click photo to donate to the restoration of this statue.

For over ten years Bowood Farms, with the help of Pretty City Gardens and Landscapes, Dail Chambers, and Magnificent Missouri, has maintained the parks garden beds and planted new trees. This initiative was started by Bowood’s owner, John McPheeters, who had a passion for public parks, trees and conservation and was one of the founding members of Magnificent Missouri.

John McPheeters photographing Fountain Park

John McPheeters photographing Fountain Park. Click photo to support the continuation of his work.

The 11-foot bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was previously restored in 2019 and is now back in the hands of Bob and Tony Rocca of AKT Studios who are committed to repairing it again so it can return to its home in Fountain Park for all to visit.

Fountain Park trees and garden beds maintained with support from Magnificent Missouri

Fountain Park trees and garden beds maintained with support from Bowood Farms. Click photo to donate to restore this park, re-plant trees and rebuild garden beds. 

Public parks are integral to communities as they provide a place for the community to gather, for kids to play, and they create a general sense of peace and tranquility for the neighborhood.

Fountain Park has been a gathering place for Juneteenth celebrations and a place to come together to observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for many years.

We hope to not only revive Fountain Park but also make it better for future generations. All funds will go toward the park with input from the local community.

Raising Money to Restore Fountain Park

Bowood Farms

A fundraiser to restore Fountain Park is taking place on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025.

  • Bowood Farms, Holliday & Bowood by Niche will donate 20% of their sales on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 to a fund to benefit Fountain Park.
  • Magnificent Missouri will place all donations into a fund that will be spent 100% on the restoration of Fountain Park, the restoration of the Dr. MLK statue, and the re-planting of trees and gardens.
  • Make your donation now at magnificentmissouri.org/engage/donate/
  • All donations are tax deductible.

If you choose not to donate online you may mail a check, payable to Magnificent Missouri, to Magnificent Missouri, PO Box 4333, St. Louis, MO 63123. If you choose to send a check please indicate that it is for the Fountain Park Fund.