THEIR NATURE. OUR FUTURE.
Year-round
indoor play space
Free
no admission fee
Accessible
wheel-chair accessible & dedicated space for visitors
with sensory processing disorders
We are creating a place that is changing the way we use nature to inspire and engage children.
It's the extraordinary new Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory - an immersive space of natural wonder where children can elevate their expectations, explore their possibilities and discover their future.
The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance is raising funds to completely renovate the 6,000 square-foot indoor children’s garden. The new garden and playscape will provide a free, year-round, accessible adventure for Garfield Park and Chicago families. A wheel-chair accessible spiral ramp makes its way up to the top of the historic glass roof, with a one-of-a-kind climber, specially designed for the Conservatory. Help us build this state of the art, accessible, free, indoor year-round nature play experience in Garfield Park.
As of November 28 2022, we have raised $6,290,381 in support of the new EMG Children’s Garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory, surpassing our pre-pandemic goal of $5.6 million. We are grateful to the many donors who have already committed their support to this important project. Unfortunately, construction costs have exceeded the pre-pandemic project budget due to many factors, including the increased demand in the construction industry and supply chain issues. We are currently evaluating construction bids and will continue to fundraise in order to break ground as soon as possible, potentially in Spring of 2023.
Help us unlock $250,000 and meet the challenge!
All gifts received by August 7, 2023 to the EMG Children's Garden will be matched dollar for dollar - all thanks to an anonymous matching grant!
Join Us. You can be part of this transformational new Children’s Garden and help grow the next generation of champions of the natural world.
For recognition opportunities, please contact Jennifer Van Valkenburg, President & CEO, at 773-638-1766 ext. 12 or [email protected]
If you are interested in utilizing an installment plan to make your gift over 1-3 years please contact Marie Stringer, Director of Development, at [email protected] or call 773-638-1766 x 22. Click here for pledge form.
Checks can be sent to:
Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
ATTN: Development Office
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624
A Vision Grows at Garfield Park Conservatory
The New Children's Garden Tells The Story
Watch and learn about why this garden matters
See some of the key features
See the new design
Read more
