MANSFIELD — Kingwood Center Gardens has been one of Mansfield’s most distinctive destinations for years, but director Chuck Gleaves believes the estate’s new Garden Gateway will take it to the next level.
Gleaves has been dreaming of adding a visitor center since his early days as director — more than 20 years ago.
“We want to take good care of our visitors, make them feel comfortable and have a lot of amenities like food service and the variety of experiences,” Gleaves said. “It’s become kind of an expectation with the more mainstream and established gardens.”
The inviting lobby opens up to a miniature gallery, a cafe with indoor and terrace seating, a greenhouse and gift shop and ba allroom that can be used for weddings and conferences.
As visitor services director Brandon Clayon put it, a proper visitor center puts Kingwood in the “big leagues” with large garden destinations in Cleveland and Columbus.
“The Garden Gateway allows Kingwood Center Gardens to improve guest experiences while sharing the beauty of this garden estate and nurturing an appreciation of nature for generations to come,” said Brenda Nelson, Kingwood’s development director.
“Whether it be the enhanced horticultural beauty of the new gardens and terraces, lovely guest amenities and event venues, dining and retail options in the Gateway Café and Garden & Gift Shop or historic information, there is something for everyone.”
The building will also house staff offices, which were previously located in the bedrooms on the third floor of Kingwood Hall. The staff at Kingwood is currently preparing those rooms to be added to tours of the Hall.
“People are always asking, ‘Can I see the third floor?’ and it was pretty much off limits because it was offices,” Gleaves said. “We’re trying to do a little work on the house before we present them to the public.”
Behind the Garden Gateway building, a new boardwalk ambles through new wetland and perennial gardens. The north side of the perennial gardens was designed in the Dutch Meadow style popularized by Piet Oudolf.
Guests who wish to sit and admire the gardens can pick a spot on the terrace by the Draffen fountain, overlooking the alleé and Kingwood Hall or in the new pavilion nestled in the perennial garden.
“Thankfully with the landscape architect leading the project, the concentration wasn’t all on the building and then the landscape an afterthought,” Gleaves said. “We’re really excited about this garden pavilion. One of the things about the old (perennial) garden was, there was no place to really linger.
“A lot of people are just gonna want to come in here and sit and contemplate the garden.”
Kingwood Center Gardens will continue celebrating the Garden Gateway’s grand opening throughout this week with the following events:
Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Wellness Wednesday with OhioHealth
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Join with partner OhioHealth to enjoy healthy activities for the whole family
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Learn more and register now for: 11AM Tai Chi, 12PM Mommy & Me Fitness, 1PM Heart Healthy Walk, 4PM Tai Chi, 5PM Family Obstacle Course, 6PM Heart Healthy Walk
Thursday, Oct. 22 – Tours on Thursday
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Enjoy complimentary guided tours by Kingwood Staff and Volunteers.
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Group sizes are limited – register at the Welcome Desk.
Friday, Oct. 23 – Fine Arts Friday
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Local artists will display their art and create beautiful pieces around Kingwood.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 & 25 – Fall Artisan Market
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Shop local artisan goods, treats, and more! Ferris, the Food Truck by Buehler’s, will be on site serving up fall favorites.
