On December 11, 2025, community leaders, partners, and supporters gathered at the Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park to celebrate a significant milestone—the ribbon cutting for the Gardens’ new pedestrian entrance. The project reflects years of collaboration and shared vision focused on enhancing one of Montgomery’s most historic public spaces while strengthening access and connectivity for the surrounding community.
The Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park are guided by a mission to inspire, educate, and enrich the community through a botanical destination that elevates quality of life, fosters appreciation for nature, and reinforces Montgomery’s cultural identity.
Mayor Steven Reed reflected on Oak Park’s longstanding role in the city’s history, noting that “today we gather not to just cut a ribbon but to open a new chapter in the story of Oak Park—a story that spans over a century of Montgomery’s history.” His remarks connected Montgomery’s past with its forward momentum, reinforcing the importance of preserving and investing in green spaces as vital assets for community health, recreation, and cultural vitality.
The ceremony highlighted the broader impact of the new entrance, with Montgomery Chamber Director of Member & Business Development, Greg Godwin noting that “the opening of the new pedestrian entrance and beautiful street improvements makes the space more inviting to our community.” He added that the project “reflects the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life here in Montgomery,” emphasizing that the improvements extend beyond the Gardens themselves and into the surrounding community.
Established in the late 1800s, Oak Park has served as a cornerstone of Midtown Montgomery since its earliest days as part of the city’s first streetcar suburb. Over time, landscape plans by the Olmsted Brothers helped shape the park’s natural character, elements of which remain today in its mature trees and walkable green spaces. Through the Montgomery Botanical Gardens, Oak Park now continues that legacy, blending historic preservation with a renewed horticultural vision for future generations.
Speaking on behalf of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens, Cathy Maddox expressed appreciation for the partners whose support made the project possible, recognizing the Blount Foundation for its investment, Councilwoman Marche Johnson for her continued support, and designer Fairlie Rinehart for bringing creative vision to the space. Maddox also highlighted the purpose behind the new entrance, improving visibility, accessibility, and connection, explaining that the redesign ensures the Gardens are easier to find and more welcoming to the public. She emphasized the importance of creating a restorative environment, particularly for patients and visitors at nearby Jackson Hospital, underscoring the Gardens’ role as a place of peace, beauty, and healing in the heart of Montgomery.
The ceremony concluded with the official ribbon cutting by members of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens Board alongside Mayor Steven Reed, community leaders, and the Montgomery Chamber marking the opening of the new pedestrian entrance and signaling continued momentum for Oak Park’s revitalization. Guests were then invited to explore the Gardens through self-guided tours, experiencing firsthand the peaceful, welcoming environment now more accessible than ever.
With this new gateway, the Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park stand as a continued example of how strategic partnerships and thoughtful investment can enhance quality of life and strengthen Montgomery’s sense of place.
Learn more at Montgomery Botanical Gardens' Website: https://www.montgomerybotanicalgardens.com/
