St. Louis civic and political leaders want to expand Gateway Arch National Park across the river to East St. Louis, Illinois. It would fulfill the vision of Eero Saarinen whose original design included park grounds on both sides of the river. It would also fulfill the dream of a man who spent his life — and dedicated his fortune — to park expansion, Malcolm W. Martin.

Host Luis Antonio Perez visits Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park — directly across from the Gateway Arch — with Ryan McClure, executive director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. Perez learns about Malcolm Martin's life from his longtime friend and colleague, Marshall Hier, and sets out on a canoe tour on the Mississippi River.

(0:00) - Big windy adventure on the Mississippi River

(6:25) - Ryan McClure and Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park

(16:42) - Marshall Hier and the life of Malcolm Martin

(26:25) - Debra Moore of East St. Louis

(28:36) - Back on the river at Mosenthein Island

(30:49) - Final thoughts: Daring to dream

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Credits: This episode was hosted, produced and mixed by Luis Antonio Perez, with writing and story editing by Luis, Brian Heffernan and Alex Heuer. The executive producer of “Meet Me” is Brian Heffernan. Paola Rodriguez is our engagement producer with editorial support from Lara Hamdan. Podcast art by Cristina Fletes-Mach. Our theme music is by Kudda & Friends with additional music by Thomas Paden. Special thanks to Will Bauer, Matt Green of Big Muddy Adventures, Arielle Claypool and Thomas Schlafly.

Grant support comes from the James S. McDonnell Foundation.

Support this work at stlpr.org/donate