Dallas City Council Approves $4.7 million in bond funds for Texas Discovery Gardens Construction Project
The Dallas City Council on Wednesday approved $4.7 million in bond funds to be used to finish a construction project at Texas Discovery Gardens. The approval brings about the revitalization of the Metamorphosis Capital Campaign, which was created to raise money for a conservatory and Grand Hall renovation.
Construction will resume in March 2008 by Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, Ltd., and will include a revitalized conservatory, classroom, lobby space, stairs and elevator, front desk and office space. The conservatory will complete its metamorphosis into the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium, a year-round attraction filled with more than 100 species of free-flying tropical butterflies. Visitors will enter onto the second floor, eye level with tree tops. Encompassing more than 230,000 cubic feet, the Sammons Butterfly House will be one of the largest year-round live butterfly exhibits in the world. The Sammons Butterfly House is funded by the Rosine Foundation Fund of Communities Foundation of Texas.
Another exciting addition will be the Discovery Children’s Classroom, an interactive space for students to take research inside with microscopes, slides, computers and scientific equipment. The classroom will also serve as a space for adult workshops, allowing the Gardens to expand its list of weekend programming.
Texas Discovery Gardens is scheduled to complete construction and unveil the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium in the summer of 2009. The Gardens will raise an additional $2.5 million to complete exhibit space and the Children’s Discovery Classroom.
About Texas Discovery GardensLocated at historic Fair Park, Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round urban oasis filled with natural wonders for visitors of all ages. Ten different themed areas include a butterfly habitat, native wildlife pond, scent garden, shade garden and heirloom garden.
The first certified organic public garden in the state, Texas Discovery Gardens features spectacular native and adapted plants grown using sustainable methods that conserve water and protect the environment.
Gardening workshops and guided tours provide expert advice on using native and adapted plants to create backyard habitats for butterflies, birds and other native wildlife. At Texas Discovery Gardens, visitors discover a wealth of information on ways to restore, conserve and preserve natural environments in urban areas.
Texas Discovery Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is funded in part by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.
Contact: Sarah Gardner, PR and Programs Coordinator
214-428-7476 ext. 23 –or-- (469) 438-0002 (mobile)
contact@texasdiscoverygardens.org
