Welcoming The World: A Look Back

As we eagerly anticipate the opening of the new Welcome 2019 was also a year of smashing success for the Covenant Center—the centerpiece of the historic Welcoming the World: Learning Center (CLC). Built to accommodate a growing Honoring a Legacy of Love campaign—we are taking a look number of classes, programs and camps, the CLC exceeded back on some of the components of Welcoming the World expectations with a banner year of student and adult learners, campaign that have already been completed. plant shows and a whole lot more. Over 33,000 student

The Peter C. & Emajean Cook Transportation Center, the visitors learned with us in 2019 and were treated to new and Covenant Learning Center, the upgraded Frederik Meijer reinvigorated classroom activities using technology like Gardens Amphitheater and the Stuart and Barbara Padnos SMART boards, iPads and digital microscopes. There were over Rooftop Sculpture Garden have all made their debut over the 5,700 class and summer camp participants, who participated past two years to the delight of guests, members and staff. And in activities like the Butterfly Ballet, Animal Adventures and in the short time that these spaces have been open, wonderful classes for both adults and children. There were 168 classes things have happened. and camps offered, filling the new space with guests exploring

The Peter C. & Emajean Cook Transportation Center was interests in art, gardening, and more. And soon, the Covenant very busy in 2019. Over 32,000 riders enjoyed a tram tour, with Learning Center will have a new draw for families, as planning as many as 18 tours taking place per day in the warm summer for the interactive exhibition in the David & Carol Van Andel months. These tram rides were all driven and narrated by Children’s Gallery is well underway, with an expected opening volunteers. The tram station was designed to create a central hub in early 2021. for the departure of tram tours and to create a beautiful space The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater has long where guests could purchase tickets, interact with staff and been a highlight of Meijer Gardens’ summer offerings, volunteers, get a drink or fill up a water bottle and use the restroom. with sensational music from all genres gracing the stage while concert guests sing and dance. Improvements to the amphitheater happened in two exciting phases, with the first phase including expanded seating and new, fixed sponsor seating. In 2019, the second sensational phase was rolled out. The new concessions building expanded our food and beverage offerings, facilitated shorter lines and wait times and provided restrooms for guests both inside the amphitheater and those waiting in line. While we are saddened by the loss of the traditional Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens this year, we are excited for what the future holds for the amphitheater.

Finally, we come to the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden. Opened to great acclaim last spring, this rooftop garden continues to grow and flourish. Graced by four sculptures on loan from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C., this lush space is a perfect escape. With views over the wetlands, stunning floral displays and unique water gardens, this space has proven ideal for evening dinners, VIP events and weddings. Enjoy spring flowers, warm summer breezes and stunning fall views in this unique garden.

Soon, the Welcome Center will be ready, and we will have a new space to celebrate and admire. But for now, a look back to the other new spaces proves that there is something Always Growing, Always Beautiful and Always New at Meijer Gardens.