The shuttered Springfield, Ohio property will be transformed into The Ohio State University Clark County Extension Gardens, showcasing more than 800 varieties of plants.
The former home of the Snyder Park Golf Course in Springfield, Ohio will soon become the site of gardens, the Moraine (Ohio)-based WDTN-TV 2 News reported.
According to Commissioner John Detrick, the move will help the quality of life in Springfield. “This is a beautiful setting going through Buck Creek, with the creek going through the middle of the park. It’s well complimented by all the other activities that are going on around here,” Detrick said.
The Ohio State University Clark County Extension gardens will be making the move this fall. According to Detrick, the golf course that once stood on the same plot of land was closed this year due to a decline in activity, WDTN reported.
“I’m always excited to have new ideas, and new events happening,” Detrick said.
According to Pam Bennett, Horticulture educator for Clark County’s OSU extension, the gardens will help ease the burden of maintaining the defunct golf course. The land was given through a sponsorship to help keep costs down for the city, WDTN reported.
“We’re non-profits. We’re not interested in making money on these gardens. We’re interested in using them as educational gardens, research gardens, and just public enjoyment,” Bennett said.
But there is money to be made for the county on those who come to see the gardens. The 800-plus varieties of plants in the gardens draw thousands of visitors each year, Bennett said, and since its inception in 1996, they’ve pumped $4 million into the local economy, WDTN reported.
The current location near an industrial park isn’t ideal for the gardens, Bennett said, and she believes the move makes sense, WDTN reported.
“You can hear the fans in the background, the semi-trucks out front. So Snyder Park gives us that absolute perfect atmosphere for a public garden for a place to walk, contemplate life, nature, it’s just going to be a really great opportunity to be there,” Bennett said.
Bennett expects the first gardens to be planted by fall, while the big move of three gardens will take place this spring, WDTN reported.
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