More than 50 guests of all ages watched the grand ribbon cutting that opened the new Children’s Garden of the Winnetka Community House on June 7. The garden planning and design were done by Chalet Nursery of Winnetka, and includes green space, planting beds, vegetables growing, a greenhouse, a play area and an outdoor pergola area where children can gather for learning.
“The Children’s Garden is going to be an outdoor learning environment where staff can take children out to get fresh air, explore, and enjoy nature,” says Alana Flatley, WCH Director of Institutional Advancement.
In addition to the ceremony and plenty of time for exploring the garden, the afternoon featured face-painting, arts and crafts and a monarch butterfly release.
Flatley explained that the Children’s Garden project involved community support and outreach over the last three years. She worked and consulted with the Chicago Botanic Garden, The Alliance for Early Childhood, and Kohl Children Museum, and hopes the garden will serve hundreds of children every year.