Our History
Friends of the Garden was incorporated in 2000 as the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, which is now known as the Springfield Botanical Gardens.
Our Mission
Friends of the Garden inspires the discovery, understanding, and appreciation of nature by creating and maintaining gardens at the Springfield Botanical Gardens and by supporting the mission of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
Our Vision
Friends of the Garden unifies the Springfield Botanical Gardens and its Park Partners to bring people, nature, and gardens together.
Springfield-Greene County Park Board Mission
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board strives to provide the very best in parks and recreation facilities, programs, events, and services to our community. In doing so, it will make a positive impact on the overall quality of life, health, environmental, social, and economic aspects for our resident families and visitors alike.
Our Founders
- Don Akers
- Dick Carson
- Bob Childress
- Major Close
- Annette Close Pennell
- Professor Jay Garrott
- Dr. Stan Horsch
- Sam McGowan
- Lisa McKay
- Dr. Bill Roston
- Ann Webster
Our Honorary Lifetime Members
- Bob and Jan Childress
- Bettine Clemen
- Major and Marthe Close
- George and Linda Deatz
- Dr. Stan and Wilma Horsch
- Yuriko Mizumoto Scott
- Dr. Bill and Judy Roston