Garfield Park Conservatory to Break Ground on New $10 Million Children’s Garden
A Stalled Project Revives
The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, the partner organization for the conservatory, mounted a yearslong fundraising campaign for the garden and raised $4.6 million in private donations.
Funding and Timeline
The remaining balance will come from state grants, tax increment financing money, and the Chicago Park District. The 6,000-square-foot indoor garden is expected to open next fall. Renovations were originally expected to begin in the spring of 2022 and wrap up by fall 2023.
New Features
The new Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden will feature a slide, dig pit, toddler area, and a nature art gallery. A wheelchair-accessible spiral ramp will wind up to the top of the garden’s glass roof. There will also be a dedicated area for kids with sensory processing disorders.
Break Ground Ceremony
The park district and the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance will break ground on the project Friday morning.
Quote from Rosa Escareño
“We are so excited for this immersive space to come to life,” said Rosa Escareño, the park district’s superintendent. “At Chicago Park District, we are on a mission to invest in the creation of children-friendly places that provide exploration of nature in this community.”
Rendering of the Project
A rendering shows the planned renovations for the children’s garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Provided by the Chicago Park District
Another Rendering of the Project
A rendering shows the bottom level of a spiral ramp to be built inside the Garfield Park Conservatory’s new children’s garden.
Provided by the Chicago Park District
Conclusion
The new Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden is a significant investment in the creation of children-friendly places that provide exploration of nature in the community. The garden is expected to open next fall and will be a valuable addition to the Garfield Park Conservatory.
FAQs
* What is the cost of the project?
+ The project will cost $10 million.
* How much has been raised in private donations?
+ $4.6 million has been raised in private donations.
* When is the expected opening date?
+ The garden is expected to open next fall.
* What features will the garden have?
+ The garden will feature a slide, dig pit, toddler area, nature art gallery, and a wheelchair-accessible spiral ramp.
