ELKHART – The Wellfield Botanic Gardens continues its expansion with the opening of the 12,000-square-foot visitor center, Woodland Pavilion, expanded parking and cottage relocation.
“I’m excited that we’re helping other organizations better fulfill their missions in the community,” said Eric Garton, executive director of Wellfield Botanic Gardens. “I take that whole growing community part of our mission very seriously. So if we want to give away space that only helps the greater community, that’s us carrying out our mission. That makes me proud.”
In the past five years, Wellfield has grown from 20,000 to 80,000 visitors per year. With more visitors and a larger operating budget of $1.3 million, Wellfield is well positioned to expand on its 36-acre property.
The total campaign goal is $17 million, with $8 million going to the Visitor Center and $3 million to the Woodland Pavilion. As of Thursday, the campaign raised $14,284,657 of its $17 million goal.
A soft opening of the visitor center is planned during Wellfield’s limited winter hours through March. According to Garton, a special grand opening is planned for Saturday, April 5. The grand opening will include a community open house, donor reception and dedication.
The Woodland Pavilion can host events with up to 800 guests all year round. Up to 320 guests can sit indoors and another 500 in dispersed seating areas.
“Most of it is done,” Garton said of the pavilion. “Construction will take place in the spring. We wait for the gates, fences and such. They should be ready in January or February. We call it a substantial completion.”
Wellfield expects direct revenues to be increased through increased access during peak season and events, as well as at ticketed events. There is a projected 23 percent increase in summer concerts, Taste of the Gardens, youth/family events, Winter Wonderland holiday lights, and collaborative/community partner ticketed events.
Wellfield also predicts it can increase facility rental revenues by 80 percent in an expected two years after the sites begin operations. With the increased capacity to handle general admissions and ticket sales, Wellfield also says it will increase membership purchases.
Some of the partners for the project include the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Insight Strategic Concepts, Mishawka-based Arkos Design, DJ Construction, the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority and the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership.
