Springfield will soon have a new children's nature play area unique to central Illinois. Lincoln Memorial Garden (LMG) is undertaking its largest project since opening the first nature center in 1965. A simulated stream, water log tunnel, sensory table, water pump, natural musical instrument, footbridge, observation areas, outdoor sink and log climbing structures are some of the features of the Children's Woodland Garden. This is not your typical park playground. There are no swings or slides. Components will be made primarily from natural materials. Kids will immerse themselves in nature-related free play. Simple elements will foster creativity. Windows in the existing nature center will be replaced with sliding glass doors opening to an outdoor deck with a canopy which overlooks the playspace. The $1.4 million Children's Woodland Garden is to be completed no later than March 2024 and hopefully before Christmas this year.
The children's garden will be a fun place for kids but also an immersive learning environment. Children today spend a tremendous amount of time indoors and many hours in front of screens. Activities are often highly structured. The value and impact of children getting outdoors and engaging in free play are well documented. "Experiential play fosters kids to be creative and use their imagination," said Joel Horwedel, executive director of LMG. Other benefits include encouraging physical activity, reducing stress, building confidence, teaching responsibility, developing motor skills and learning problem-solving.
Melissa Skinner-Liberman is president of the LMG board and integral to the planning for the children's garden. She and her husband, Colin, have four children. She has an extensive background in elementary education and understands the significant educational and social benefits of this project. She was intimately involved in the research phase, visiting other outdoor play areas in the region with her children. Afternoons during the pandemic were often spent visiting nearby nature areas.
Massie Massie & Associates (MMA), a prominent local landscape architecture firm, is a key partner. Kent Massie is a former LMG board member. Horwedel frequently consults Massie for advice on adhering to the garden's original Jens Jensen design while adapting to changing environmental conditions. Horwedel approached MMA in 2018 to explore the concept of a children's garden. Neil Brumleve, MMA vice president of operations, is the lead landscape architect for the project and also a LMG board member. Several potential sites were evaluated before concluding the best location was adjacent to the nature center – the "hub" of the garden. Brumleve says the children's garden will be a good starting point for people to experience nature up close before visiting the rest of the garden. MMA worked with Horwedel and LMG board members to develop the conceptual plan which generated enthusiasm for the project.
A significant drop in elevation beyond the nature center created some challenges. Crawford, Murphy & Tilly conducted a site survey which was instrumental in designing the area for accessibility. "Neil was pivotal in helping us to design a playscape that included proper elevations and grades so that visitors with mobility aids can also navigate the space," said Skinner-Liberman. "Other than one side of the bridge, which has a small set of stairs, the entire children's garden can be accessed by all who desire to play and enjoy their time in nature."
Other nature-oriented playspaces provided inspiration. Horwedel, Brumleve (who also has four young children), Skinner-Liberman and other board members visited the Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape at Forest Park in St. Louis, Morton Arboretum Children's Garden, Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden and smaller nature areas in central Illinois. They observed how children of different ages could play in the same space. They also watched how their own children used these areas and what they enjoyed. The team determined what concepts could be transferred to LMG while designing something unique for LMG.
One component will be a large wooden troll. Through a collaboration with the Springfield Art Association (SAA), two large trolls were created recently for the garden. Because these are so popular with visitors, the SAA will construct a third troll for the children's garden.
Another significant feature is the outdoor deck and canopy. In addition to providing a viewing area and access to the children's garden, it will be a new venue for a wide range of events. Dave Leonatti, Melotte Morse Leonatti Parker, Ltd., did the architectural design for the sliding glass doors and canopy. "The canopy matches the interior exposed structure of the nature center and thereby extends and connects the interior to the new gathering space," said Leonatti. The canopy will provide a sun shade and cover from light rain and inclement weather, affording new opportunities for LMG programs and events and other community activities.
In June, the project team selected Michael von Behren Builder, Inc. as the general contractor and Custom Hardscapes, Decatur, for the landscaping. MMA is responsible for oversight and ensuring construction adheres to the plans. Construction documents are being finalized and materials ordered so that construction can begin Sept. 1.
The project will be managed in an environmentally friendly manner. Ash trees, which are threatened by the emerald ash borer, will be removed, but as many existing trees as possible will be integrated into the design. Woodland wildflowers are being transplanted. Two red oaks that didn't leaf out this year will be used to create a climbing feature and slab benches.
The children's garden is geared primarily for ages 5-12, but is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, from age two to adults. Accessibility is a high priority. The children's garden is in proximity to a hard-surface accessible trail installed recently as a loop near the nature center to enable more people to enjoy the garden. The new space will also foster intergenerational experiences. "We want caregivers to be engaged with their children," said Skinner-Liberman. She also says the only screens they hope to see are people taking photos.
Horwedel, who recently marked his 10-year anniversary as LMG executive director, is committed to bringing new visitors to the garden and engaging more young people. The board recently completed a new strategic plan. A key priority is to tell LMG's story to the entire community and reach new and diverse populations within the region. A second priority is to inspire appreciation of nature. With the new Children's Woodland Garden, the expectation is for LMG to become a regional destination and center for nature education.
Made possible by the generosity of donors
The strategic planning process revealed there is a pervasive misconception by the public that LMG is part of a public agency that receives government funding. That is not the case. LMG is a self-sustaining nonprofit organization that relies on members, donors, volunteers and grants.
A children's garden was envisioned nearly a decade ago. The Garden Clubs of Illinois provided seed money, and others were inspired to contribute after seeing preliminary sketches. With $100,000 in hand, Horwedel expected to conduct an extensive fundraising campaign. Remarkably, that was not necessary. "The garden has a special aura," said Horwedel. He is grateful for the generosity of community leaders who share a passion for LMG and invest in its future. "When we need something, someone steps up," he said.
Kathy and Randy Germeraad of Springfield were at the ribbon-cutting for the accessible trail when they saw a conceptual design for the new Children's Woodland Garden on display in the nature center. That piqued their interest to meet with Horwedel to learn more. It didn't take long for the Germeraads to commit to being the primary sponsor. "It totally fit with our interests," said Kathy.
Kathy has vivid memories of her Butler Elementary School fifth grade field trip to LMG in the 1960s. Both Kathy and Randy are former teachers and longtime champions of public education. They saw the benefits of the project and of introducing children to nature when they are young and impressionable. Kathy and Randy have six grandchildren who live in Springfield. Their son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Colleen, have both served on the LMG board. Scott and Colleen have five children, ages 20 months to 10 years, who enjoy participating in the LMG summer ecology camps for children ages four to 15 and the annual Fall Harvest Festival.
Kathy knows how kids love to get messy, and she can envision their family enjoying this space. "If our grandchildren will enjoy it, others will, too," says Kathy. She also cites the great people involved with the garden, the staff and the many community collaborations, such as with the Springfield Art Association. Randy is also enthusiastic about the opportunity for the community to use the new outdoor gathering space and for more people to experience the garden. Randy says this is different from the projects they have supported previously. He liked the focus on kids having fun in nature. "Sponsoring fun is good," said Randy.
Kathy is the daughter of the late Mary and Bill Schnirring, dedicated community philanthropists who gave from the heart. She grew up in a family where generosity and helping others were integral to their lives. The Germeraads have continued this tradition, giving to a wide variety of organizations and projects. "I just remember Kathy's dad repeatedly talking about our responsibility to give back to the community in which we live," said Randy. "Give of our time, our talent, and our resources. This is something that we have stressed with our children as well."
The family of Cullom Davis is also a significant contributor. Davis was a founding faculty member of Sangamon State University, now University of Illinois Springfield. He was widely respected for his deep commitment to public history, leadership with Lincoln Legal Papers and involvement in civic issues, such as raising awareness of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot. He lived near Lincoln Memorial Garden and helped write the garden's first strategic plan. Horwedel credits Davis for significantly increasing the endowment through his advocacy and tireless work on the Acorn Legacy Campaign.
Davis died in September 2022. While planning his memorial service at LMG, family members saw the conceptual plan for the children's garden on display in the nature center. Cullom's son, Cully, is an investment banker in San Francisco who grew up in Springfield and attended Springfield public schools. He explains that the family, including his stepmother, Ann, and his two sisters, were reflecting on how to honor their father. Cullom's life and career revolved around the university, and he was involved in many civic causes. The family concluded LMG was a logical place to celebrate Cullom's life. Lincoln is reflected in the garden's name, and the garden is open to all. "He was so passionate about the garden," said Cully. It is "a place for reflection and peace with no underlying political agenda." He describes the garden as a place "to chill and relax." In addition to supporting the canopy, which will provide new opportunities for public engagement, the family is contributing to a future project at the Ostermeier Prairie area. Cully says his father was committed to facilitating engagement, teaching and learning, equity, inclusion and access. "Lincoln Memorial Garden connects all of these passions."
History of Lincoln Memorial Garden
Lincoln Memorial Garden has a rich history. Harriet Knudson was the driving force to establish a living tribute to Abraham Lincoln when the city was creating Lake Springfield in the 1930s. She convinced the city to donate land and persuaded the Garden Clubs of Illinois to get involved. She engaged Jens Jensen, one of the nation's foremost landscape architects, to design a living tribute to Abraham Lincoln. Jensen was a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright and one of Illinois' earliest conservationists. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts planted acorns, and garden clubs throughout the state helped plant species native to the three states Lincoln called home. From the beginning, volunteers were crucial. Through the years, the garden has developed with the help of people who have generously donated their time and resources. The founders would undoubtedly be amazed and pleased to see how LMG has continued to grow, evolve and serve the community.
For more information about the garden's history, educational offerings, membership opportunities and more, go to lincolnmemorialgarden.org. To get more involved in bringing nature to your own backyard and engage in nature play, Skinner-Liberman recommends these books as resources: Bringing Nature Home, Nature Play at Home, Play the Forest School Way and Last Child in the Woods.
Karen Ackerman Witter is a longtime member of Lincoln Memorial Garden. She has a master's degree in ecology from the University of Wales and worked on natural resource issues in Illinois state government for many years. She took her children to LMG and looks forward to taking her young grandchildren to the new Children's Woodland Garden.
