“This garden represents a $15 million investment in the health, well-being, and future of our children.” – Niagara Parks Chair Bob Gale.
Debbie Whitehouse, Chair of the Niagara Parks Foundation
“Our vision for the Children’s Garden is a safe, inclusive and vibrant outdoor classroom that will promote education, play, and physical and mental wellbeing, while cultivating a respect for the environment. By teaching children to love and appreciate nature today, we will inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders that will protect our planet into the future.” – Debbie Whitehouse, Chair of the Niagara Parks Foundation
– Niagara Parks and the Niagara Parks Foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new four-acre Children’s Garden on Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Niagara Parks Chair speaks at groundbreaking ceremony
– Construction will begin in 2026, with the grand opening scheduled for summer 2028
– For more information about the Children’s Garden, visit ## niagaraparks.com/childrensgarden ## (https://www.niagaraparks.com/foundation/childrensgarden)
Niagara Falls, Ontario – In celebration of the new four-acre Children’s Garden to be developed at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, the Niagara Parks Foundation, working in close collaboration with Niagara Parks, was pleased to host a ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, October 7.
The ceremony brought together Foundation representatives, donors and community partners at the future entrance to the garden. Niagara Parks Chair Bob Gale and Niagara Parks Foundation Chair Debbie Whitehouse provided welcome remarks and a guided tour of the future garden site. Students from Victoria Public School were also in attendance and participated in a seed ball making workshop, as part of one of the Foundation’s restoration and tree planting projects.
Young people gather for groundbreaking ceremony for Niagara Parks Children’s Garden. photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission
Looking ahead, 2026 will be a milestone year for the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. In addition to construction beginning on the new interactive Children’s Garden, which represents the next generation of growth for the site, both the School of Horticulture and Botanical Gardens will celebrate their 90th anniversary. Next year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Butterfly Conservatory.
About the Niagara Parks Children’s Garden – Rooted in nature and play-based learning, the new Children’s Garden will provide an inclusive space for all ages and abilities, featuring 12 interactive zones with sensory-rich experiences such as the Tree Top Walk, Root Zone, The Hive and The Gorge.
The Children’s Garden will be located steps away from the School of Horticulture and Butterfly Conservatory, one of Niagara Parks’ most popular attractions with over 300,000 annual visitors. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with a grand opening planned for summer 2028.
The project builds on recent investments at the site, including the opening of the new Recognition Garden in September 2025, upgrades to the School of Horticulture and residence facilities, and expanded hands-on learning programs such as hydroponic microgreen production and the student vegetable gardens.
* Media assets are available * ## * here. * ## (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/u7jnzxmsi4w6x4k0mwd63/AHKNng26XIAwQRaEdbjv1Ag?rlkey=iwrsxeh12yo9tusd3pjgv4qxs&st=p4ch11gu&dl=0) * *
About the Niagara Parks Foundation – The Niagara Parks Foundation is a board-governed, registered charity that supports Niagara Parks in its environmental and cultural stewardship work by funding projects, research, and public education.
About Niagara Parks – Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure.
For more information, please visit ## niagaraparks.com ## (https://www.niagaraparks.com/) or contact:
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