Table of Contents
About the Grove
Completed in 2014, the Children’s Grove is located in the northeast area of Stephens Lake Park across from Hindman Discovery Garden. The grove includes five drystack stone walls, 41 trees and informational signage to explain the unique purpose of the Children’s Grove – “A symbol of love, hope, and commitment to support the safety and nurturing of our youth.” The space between the ground and lower portion of the tree canopy will average between 3 to 5 feet in height which will create a forest-like feel for children.
The 41 trees planted in the grove include seven varieties of magnolia in shades of lemon and pink; seven varieties of crabapples in shades of white, purple, and pink; six varieties of lilacs in shades of lavender, purple pink and magenta. Additional plants include daffodils and lilies.
The grove is intended to create a place of peacefulness, joyful play and wonderment for children and adults alike. Trees will eventually grow together and create an overhanging archway of trees in an area designed for exploration and enjoyment.
Facility amenities
- ADA Drinking fountain at Riechmann Pavilion (1)
- Playground
- Restrooms at Riechmann Pavilion
Children’s Grove Committee
Contact information
- Email: [email protected]
History
In 2002, a “Park and Arboretum” theme was chosen and approved for the master plan for Stephens Lake Park after an extensive public input process. The initial phase of park development focused on the park elements and infrastructure, with the arboretum features to be added later as funding became available. Park staff had a vision for a children’s grove in the northeast area of the park, but the grove remained unfunded for several years.
After the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2012, Columbia citizen Anne Deaton was moved to do something to both honor the memory of children lost and to prevent future tragedies. She then consulted with the mayor and other community members who shared her desire to encourage conversations and education about mental health. Also in 2012, a group of concerned citizens led by Christine Cocoran joined together in an organization called “Putting Kids First.” This coalition successfully supported a mental health tax to provide much needed behavioral services for youth and set goals to promote mental health awareness and education programs throughout the community.
In 2013, Suzanne McDavid, as a representative of the interested parties, approached Parks and Recreation staff to express interest in funding a tree planting as a way of bringing lasting attention to children’s mental health needs. Parks and Recreation staff presented the idea of the Children’s Grove at Stephens Lake Park to a small group of interested parties, who heartily embraced the project. A Children’s Grove Committee was formed and co-chaired by Anne Deaton and Suzanne McDavid. The Committee raised funds through private donations and contributed $20,000 to the Parks and Recreation Department to fund the Children’s Grove.
The Children’s Grove was constructed and planted by park staff in 2014. A Heritage Tree was planted in the grove to honor Suzanne McDavid’s and Anne Deaton’s leadership efforts for the project.
Members of Children’s Grove Dedication and Putting Kids First Education Committee
- Chris Cambell
- Dana Carter
- Tara Collier
- Christine Corcoran
- Anne Deaton
- Cassie Dins
- Darlene Johnson
- Allison Koger
- Judy LeFevre
- Sally Beth Lyon
- Suzanne McDavid
- Julie Middleton
- Rose Porter
- Clyde Ruffin
- Carrie Schlimme
- Joyce Smith
- Georgalu Swoboda
- David Thomas
- Sharon Thomas-Parks
- Vinita Khanna
- Lael Von Holdt
- Karen Wallace
- Robin Wenneker
- Barbara Williamson
- Jennifer Winston
- Molly Wolfe
Dedication
Date: May 3, 2014
Dedication Program
On a beautiful day on Saturday, May 3, 2014 Columbia citizens gathered together at Stephens Lake Park to enjoy the festivities planned for the dedication of the Children’s Grove. The program was organized and hosted by the Children’s Grove Dedication and Putting Kids First Education Committees.
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