- Niagara Parks and the Niagara Parks Foundation marked the official start of construction on the new four-acre Children’s Garden with a sod-turning ceremony on Friday, October 23
- Detailed designs for 10 interactive garden zones and two multi-purpose buildings completed by MT Planners and +VG Architects
- Merit Contractors Niagara announced as general contractor leading construction
- Cheque presentations from the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Foundation and TD Bank Group
- For more information about the Children’s Garden, visit niagaraparks.com/childrensgarden .
Niagara Falls, ON – Niagara Parks, in collaboration with the Niagara Parks Foundation, is pleased to mark a major milestone in the development of the new four-acre Children’s Garden with a sod-turning ceremony held at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens on Friday, October 23.
The ceremony brought together representatives from Niagara Parks and the Niagara Parks Foundation, along with contractors, donors, community partners and students at the future entrance to the new Children’s Garden. Niagara Parks Chair Graham Coveney and Niagara Parks Foundation Chair Debbie Whitehouse provided opening remarks, followed by MT Planners Landscape Architect Tara McCarthy and Dr. Richa Agnihotri, a community paediatrician with a focused interest in child development, behaviour and mental health.
The event also recognized the community support helping bring the Children’s Garden to life. TD Bank Group presented a $250,000 donation to the project to fund The Refuge, an interactive wetland learning zone, while the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Foundation provided $105,000 in support of the Labyrinth, a Sound Garden featuring musical elements, seasonal flowering plants and willow tunnels, designed for exploration by visitors of all ages and in every season.
These contributions support the $15-million fundraising campaign for the Children’s Garden, which will be the first of its kind and scale in Ontario. Through immersive nature-based play and learning opportunities, the garden will promote children’s physical activity, mental well-being, creativity and connection to the natural world, while inspiring a lifelong appreciation for environmental stewardship.
The ceremony also included students from Simcoe Street Public School in Niagara Falls, who helped mulch preserved tree saplings that will be replanted on the grounds of the Children’s Garden.
The final detailed designs by MT Planners and +VG Architects for the 10 interactive garden areas and two multi-purpose buildings that will make up the Children’s Garden were also revealed. Following a competitive process, Merit Contractors Niagara was announced as the general contractor for the project. Construction is now underway, with a grand opening planned for 2028.
The Vision for the Children’s Garden
Rooted in nature and play-based learning, the new Children’s Garden will promote physical and mental wellness, inviting children of all ages and abilities to learn about Niagara’s rich history and discover the native plants and animals that live within its ecosystems.
As a one-of-a-kind, year-round outdoor classroom, the Children’s Garden will be located steps from the Butterfly Conservatory and School of Horticulture on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards through hands-on connections with nature.
The Next Chapter for the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
As the newest addition to this important horticultural destination, the Children’s Garden represents the exciting next chapter for the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, which marks its 90th anniversary in 2026.
It builds on the site’s longstanding legacy of horticulture and education, which continues to evolve through new guest experiences. This past summer, the Butterfly Conservatory introduced a brand-new, interactive exhibit, the Pollinator Playground, featuring the Live Sketchbook and the Puzzle Pond, encouraging children to learn about the vital world of pollinators through hands-on play and digital discovery. Niagara Parks also partnered with the Shaw Festival to present “A Short History of Niagara,” a wordless, puppet-based production at the Botanical Gardens through July and August.
As the Children’s Garden takes shape, Niagara Parks is building on this rich history while creating a new place for children and families to explore, learn and deepen their connection to nature.
Digital assets, including concept renderings, are available here.
Quotes
“Today marks the beginning of a visionary project that will strengthen Niagara Parks’ role as a world-class destination while delivering meaningful benefits to our local community. The Children’s Garden will introduce an entirely new experience for residents and visitors alike, helping to attract families, support local tourism and businesses, and create new opportunities for children to learn, play and explore in nature. We are proud to invest in a project that will leave a lasting legacy for Niagara.” — Graham Coveney, Niagara Parks Chair
“The start of construction is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together around a shared vision. Through the generosity of our donors, partners and supporters, the Children’s Garden is becoming a reality. This transformational project will provide children with immersive opportunities for nature-based play and learning while supporting their mental health, physical well-being and development. We are proud to help create a place that will inspire wonder, curiosity and environmental stewardship for generations to come.” — Deborah Whitehouse, Niagara Parks Foundation Chair
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone in bringing the Children’s Garden to life. This unique attraction will give visitors a new way to engage in Niagara’s natural environment through hands-on discovery, outdoor learning and shared family experiences. It also reflects what can be achieved when a community comes together to realize a shared vision. I want to thank Niagara Parks, the Niagara Parks Foundation and everyone who helped bring this exciting new attraction to life.” — Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
About 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.
Close and