Franklin Park Conservatory
Who We Are: Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. The Conservatory features indoor gardens and botanical biomes filled with exotic plant life, seasonal horticulture displays, and nature-infused art exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists. Ten acres of outdoor gardens include the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, a multi-sensory space filled with unique, nature-based interactive experiences for families and children. We also offer classes, workshops and outreach initiatives that educate and engage all ages with gardening, cooking, art, nutrition and more. The Conservatory’s gardens and event spaces make it a popular venue for weddings, family celebrations, and corporate gatherings.
What We Do: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens envisions a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience. From early childhood learning programs and curriculum-based educational experiences for K-12 students, to the sprawling Children’s Garden and immersive horticulture displays, the Conservatory creates opportunities to explore, connect and marvel at the natural world. Whether it’s learning about the magic of metamorphosis and witnessing a butterfly’s first flight, prompting contemplation through the ancient art of bonsai, or multiple generations exploring together in the Children’s Garden, every experience is designed to educate, entertain and connect our guests with nature and each other.
Why We're Important: Time spent outdoors benefits us all—making for happier childhoods and healthier adulthoods. Research shows being in nature improves physical health, reduces anxiety and stress, and fosters creativity. But, most of us don’t need research to tell us that—we feel it. Through our gardens and plant collections, we foster these beneficial connections to nature and work to build a stronger community through our outreach. Education programs teach pre-K and K-12 students through curriculum-based learning experiences, utilizing the Conservatory’s unique resources. Our Teen Corps urban-farming program serves low-income teens, preparing them with critical life and work skills. Our community gardening initiatives provide free resources to strengthen community and school gardens.
How We Impact The Community: The Conservatory welcomes over 350,000 visitors each year, making us an important driver of tourism in central Ohio, and resulting in a $21-million annual economic impact. Our Growing to Green community gardening outreach program has helped start, strengthen and sustain over 300 local community gardens and school learning gardens, with an emphasis on food access, nutrition, education, and bringing neighborhoods together. On average, each year we impact 14,000 students representing 400+ schools through education programs that connect young people to opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration and discovery. Our monthly Community Days and year-round Museums for All initiatives offer free and reduced-price admission, and memberships available to check out through local library branches ensure the Conservatory’s resources are accessible to everyone.
How You Can Help: Franklin Park Conservatory thrives thanks to the commitment of our many donors, members, and volunteers. A gift to our annual fund, in any amount, helps ensure that the Conservatory remains a vibrant and vital part of our community, providing a safe and beautiful space for us to connect with nature, and each other. We invite you to purchase a ticket to one of our three signature fundraising events—Hat Day, Bash at the Barn, or Field to Table—or to build your company’s brand by becoming a corporate sponsor of one of these unique events. Or, join our active volunteer corps or our Women’s Board, a dynamic volunteer group working in support of philanthropic efforts at the Conservatory.
Connect with Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203 614-715-8000 www.fpconservatory.org
President & CEO: Bruce A. Harkey
VP of Philanthropy: Gail Mahaffey Email: gmahaffey@fpconservatory.org Board Chair: Patrick Henthorne
