By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Much of Simpson Garden Park is designed for older adults, some with sophisticated gardening skills. But one small section of the park is intended for younger patrons with more silly interests.
In the Children’s Garden, there is a little pond, a foot bridge, a round tunnel suitable for crawling through, and a giant clay pot big enough for people – usually children – to play inside.
And like most gardens as they age, this one needs some sprucing up.
“It is in need of a little bit of a refresh,” explained Kristin Otley, director of the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department.
The goal of the garden is to get kids outside.
“I just want them to come outside and have fun in nature,” Otley said.
Plans call for new life to be breathed into the pond and the exterior of the Simpson Garden Park Building.
The 15-year-old pond will be transformed into an aquatic garden, located in the same footprint as now, Otley said. Though she doesn’t have details yet, Otley said the pond will be stocked with “aquatic creatures.”
The giant potting shed will remain next to the pond, but will have some windows added to let in light.
“It’s so cool in there,” Otley said. But she suspects more people – especially adults with children – will venture inside if the interior was lit by sunlight.
Previously, the children’s garden area featured a “silly garden” of colorfully painted tires partially buried in the ground. Those have long since deteriorated and been removed.
But to add some more year-round color for kids exploring the garden, a mural will be painted on one side of the brick Simpson Park Building. The mural, featuring bright colors, will be painted by volunteers.
Fundraising by a Simpson Garden Park committee is helping to pay for the sprucing up.
And who knows – maybe a revitalized children’s garden will encourage kids to join adults as they experience other areas of Simpson Garden Park.
“Then hopefully they can tolerate walking the rest of Simpson with their parents,” Otley said.
