Digging for Support
There is an oasis in the
middle of Winter Park - a haven from the hustle
and bustle of the workaday world and a small
piece of "Old Florida". Turtles, otters and
other wildlife frolic here. Birds and
butterflies gather here. Gardeners, families,
joggers and students all share this space. This
precious sanctuary is called Mead Garden.
Dedicated in 1940, Mead
Garden has seen grand times when lush gardens
and greenhouses full of exotic plant specimens
were on display. However, times change and Mead
Garden became a forgotten corner of our
community. Today, the glass houses and formal
gardens are gone. The park has been neglected
and overgrown.
In 2003, the Friends of Mead
Garden was established to revitalize this
valuable resource. A 48 plus acre green space in
the middle of an urban setting is an endangered
species. The Friends of Mead Garden are
determined that the garden does not become
extinct.
Countless volunteer hours
have been logged to help with basic maintenance
needs. Over 400 antique camellias were
discovered under a mountain of invasive vines. A
butterfly garden has been rejuvenated and is now
home to scores of butterflies and a Bird
Watching Group is conducting an extensive survey
of the garden throughout the seasons. Eagle
Scout projects, community groups and individual
citizens have all contributed to the constant
upkeep the garden requires.
The City of Winter Park and
its citizens have become engaged in the
determining the future of Mead Garden. Community
focus groups, surveys and planning sessions have
all helped shape the course of action to renew
Mead Garden.
But all of these efforts are
not enough to insure the long-term success of
Mead Garden. The garden is alive, growing and
changing, and its needs are diverse. The
required changes and improvements are costly. We
need the financial support from residents and
business leaders in our community.
Become a partner in the
effort to ensure that Mead Garden will once
again become a vibrant, vital refuge for all to
enjoy. Please become a member today. For more
information, please call Friends of Mead Garden
at 407-599-2800
