- Proposed four-acre, play-based Children’s Garden will be located at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens next to the Butterfly Conservatory
- Online survey invites feedback from parents, guardians and grandparents to inform next steps for the project
Niagara Falls, ON – The Niagara Parks Foundation, working in close collaboration with the Niagara Parks Commission, is embarking on a journey to build a one-of-a-kind Children’s Garden on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture.
Rooted in the philosophies of nature-based and play-based learning, including the connections between time spent in nature and supporting healthy developmental outcomes among children and youth, the Children’s Garden will be a vibrant and inclusive space, designed specifically for children of all ages and abilities.
Over the past several months, focus groups and consultation sessions have been held with local educators from the District School Board of Niagara, Niagara Catholic District School Board, Brock University’s Faculty of Education and Royal Oak School, along with local Indigenous groups.
Niagara Parks is now launching a public engagement survey to gather feedback from families about the concept and design plans to inform the project as it moves into the detailed design phase.
The concept designs for the project include 12 sensory-rich elements that will invite children and their families into a playful ecosystem that celebrates the unique environment and rich history of the Niagara River corridor. Featured elements include:
- Tree Top Walk, an accessible timber causeway that will offer an elevated view of the tree canopy;
- Root Zone, young explorers will uncover layers of the forest floor, learning about insects, roots, soil structure and biodiversity;
- The Hive, a whimsical play space and hub of activity within the garden introducing children to the vital world of pollinators;
- The Gorge, life-sized layers of rock and fossil replicas will depict 450 million years of natural history along the Niagara River corridor.
The four-acre garden space will be located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and world-renowned School of Horticulture, next to the Butterfly Conservatory. A groundbreaking will be planned for this fall with construction beginning in 2026, a milestone year for the site as Niagara Parks celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Botanical Gardens and its School of Horticulture, and 30th anniversary of the Butterfly Conservatory.
Parents, guardians and grandparents interested in providing input can learn more about the project at niagaraparks.com/childrensgarden. The online survey will be available until August 31, 2025.
Media Assets are available here.
Quotes
“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
“We’re proud to support the vision for the Niagara Parks Foundation’s Children’s Garden—a vibrant, inclusive space where children of all ages and abilities can explore, learn, and connect with the natural world through outdoor play. As screen time soars and time in nature declines, spaces like this are more vital than ever. Children’s Gardens help bridge the nature deficit, promoting physical and mental wellness, sparking curiosity and imagination, and fostering a deep sense of belonging.” – Sara Austin, Founder & CEO, Children First Canada
About the Niagara Parks Foundation
The Niagara Parks Foundation is a board-governed, registered charity that supports Niagara Parks in its stewardship work through funding projects, research and public education. As a self-supported agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Niagara Parks relies exclusively on its own revenue streams to operate and maintain its extraordinary 56-kilometre ribbon of parkland. The Niagara Parks Foundation offers the public and corporations unique opportunities to actively contribute and support one of the world’s most beloved public spaces.
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
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