Denver Botanic Gardens is now the home of a $4 million garden designed for children.
Janet Mordecai, through the Daniel and Janet Mordecai Foundation, donated the funds for a 3-acre exploring garden, and before construction began, she went on a nationwide tour of children’s gardens.
“She would say, ‘The kids like this, but not this,’ and then we’d incorporate the ideas into the garden,” said William Jones, a spokesman for Denver Botanic Gardens.
The end result is a “Big World Up Close” theme that takes kids on a tour of Colorado’s ecosystem.
The journey begins with a cave tour, which opens into an alpine meadow. Towering above are Marmot Mountain and Pika Peak, connected by a wooden suspension bridge kids walk along.
The path then leads to plant life found at lower elevations, including a forest and grassland and ends in an area that resembles Red Rocks.
A public grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration featuring the Colorado Children’s Chorale will be held at 9 a.m. today at the gardens, 1007 York St. The entrance to the children’s garden is on the northern end of the upper level of the parking deck. Patrons can pay for entry into the children’s garden at that entrance. Regular admission fees include the children’s garden.
For more information, call 720- 865-3500 or check the website, .
