GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A major renovation centered on children’s education is set to begin early next year at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens.
The campaign will help expand the Nielsen Children’s Garden from a half acre to 2.5 acres, including additions focusing in on educational opportunities.
“We are looking to really provide an outdoor educational experience for children and their families to learn about rainwater runoff and wetlands and how they can protect our environment better,” Executive Director Susan Garot said. “There will be playground areas where kids can climb, there’s rope-climbing, there’s slides, there are tree houses that will tell five different stories of trees.”
The renovation, Garot says, has been in the works for quite some time. But she thinks the actual construction schedule is coming at a great time.
“After COVID and our children being cooped up indoors in front of screens for their learning, I don’t think anyone would disagree on the importance of an outdoor learning environment for kids’ health,” Garot told WTAQ News. “There’ll be so many learning opportunities that will really extend beyond environmental education, but in an atmosphere that will nurture children’s curiosity and their desire to learn.”
The project will cost $11.5 million. $9.5 million has already been raised from donations and grants.
“We do have some grant-asks out there. We’ve got some foundations that are going to be meeting yet this fall,” Garot said. “We’re also looking to the community to help bring this home I think the $2 million can be easily done in the next couple of months.”
A handful of spaces remain available for naming opportunities as well.
“It’s an opportunity to leave a legacy. Pick one of the features and to give a gift that will put your family’s name on it, and ensure your legacy as someone who cares about children’s education will live on,” Garot said.
A 25th anniversary celebration is being held this weekend to commemorate the gardens being open to the public for a quarter-century. People can learn more about the gardens and the project at that event or on the Green Bay Botanical Garden’s website.
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