After Springfield's Snyder Park Golf Course closed in 2014, a collaboration emerged between local gardening stakeholders. Enthusiasts, along with several local foundations, teamed up with the Hollandia Garden Association and The Clark County Agricultural Extension at Ohio State University to take about 53 acres of the former golf course and turn it into Snyder Park Gardens and Arboretum.
Recently, they reached a big milestone.
Pam Bennett, horticultural educator at the OSU Agricultural Extension says, “We have the money, $200,000 in hand to put in a pavilion next spring. And the pavilion will be the grand entrance to the gardens.”
The impending construction of the pavilion represents a huge step forward in the project. But funding is still needed for walkways and a children's garden.
Eventually, Bennett says, “We’ll be putting a bike trail down along the levy. [It will connect with] the bike path that goes through Clark County and brings people into that area and into the gardens.”
Bennett says the new public space will help diversify Springfield’s natural amenities, and serve as another offering in Springfield’s growing tourist attractions. Pavilion construction is set to begin next spring. The Hollandia Garden Association hopes to continue building public awareness for the project by a hosting a fall festival October 13.
