WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Elkhart’s Treasure Evolves

This capital campaign makes the final stages of the Wellfield Master Plan a reality. Created over 15 years ago, the developers of the master plan foresaw the attraction that Wellfield has now become with over 75,000 visitors per year. We are excited to share more about the expansion of a new Wellfield visitors center and open air pavilion.

The generosity of the Elkhart community will grow forever at Wellfield Botanic Gardens.

See Viewbook

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Since 2008, over 20 beautiful gardens and special features have been installed at the Wellfield Botanic Gardens. These major capital projects have been made possible by the vision and generosity of community leaders in the Elkhart, Indiana area.

Project Renderings Slideshow

Great Hall and Window on Wellfield View to Boardwalk

WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Introducing The Final Chapter
of The Master Plan

A regional destination for all.

In the past five years, Wellfield has grown from 20,000 to 75,000 visitors per year. Our gardens have become known as a regional attraction and gateway to the growing downtown Elkhart.

Positioned for sustainable growth.

Now operating at a $1M operating budget, Wellfield is sustainable and ready for its final phase of development within its 36-acre property. This includes a 12,000 sq. ft. visitors center and open air pavilion to welcome guests for years to come.

Bringing the outdoors in with the best year-round view of the gardens.

Throughout all seasons of the year, the new visitors center and open air pavilion will overlook Swan Island and its peripheral gardens. Outdoor patios and gorgeous horticulture will continue the Wellfield tradition of beauty and excellence.

12,000sf of quaint multi-use space.

The 12,000 sq. ft. visitors center will comprise of a welcome center rotunda, cafe, gift shop and restrooms for public access. A board room celebrating Elkhart philanthropist, David Gundlach, and three event rooms with a gorgeous center atrium will celebrate the garden views. An adjacent open air pavilion will accommodate guests for special public and private events throughout the year.

The open air pavilion will accommodate events for 500 guests.

Wellfield’s capacity to hold special events such as outdoor celebrations, dinners, concerts, weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, markets, and more will expand. Nowhere in the region will there be the presence of such beauty and ease of access to an experience perfect for guests of all ages.

“Wellfield Botanic Gardens accepts as truth that mankind is inseparable from nature. The Gardens will strive to provide a shared natural and man-made environment of unique beauty that attracts, inspires, and educates in a setting dedicated to the celebration of nature, art and community.”

— The Wellfield Vision

76% of The Final Chapter Campaign is complete.

$12.5 of $16.5 has been raised.

Total Capital Campaign
$16,500,000

$7,500,000 12,000SF Visitors Center
$3,000,000 500P Open Air Pavilion
$2,500,000 Parking Expansion and Infrastructure
$ 500,000 Cottage Relocation
$3,000,000 Endowment*

As a result of this project, we project achieving a 38% increase in revenue (nearly $400,000) from 2023-2027. Expenses are anticipated to only increase $110,000 per year. Direct revenues will be increased through expanded ability for admission during peak seasons and events, as well as ticketed events such as concerts, festivals, and art events. Rental and membership revenues will also increase.

Gift Opportunities

— SINCE 2003 —

Wellfield’s Impressive History of Giving

Click arrows to peruse viewbook.

Thank you.

Thank you to the following charter gift sponsors for this project.

Paula and Stu Barb

Becky Bontrager

Susan and Carl Bossung

Kathy and Geoffrey Church

Missy and Todd Cleveland

Kathleen and Richard Collins

Community Foundation of Elkhart County

Teri Crabill

Amy and Joel Duthie

Tom and Sara Elkin

Janet Evanega Rieckhoff

Jan Farron

Katherine and George Freese

Connie Fulmer

Lisa and Doug Gaeddert

Gwen and John Gildea

Judy and John Goebel

Karen and Doug Grant

Kurt Janowsky

Jurate Krabill

Cindy and Mike Marshall

Rex and Alice A. Martin Foundation

Janet and James Mellott

Shelley Moore

Karen Nicholson

Patrick Industries, Inc.

Dana and Tom Pletcher

Nancy and Phillip Pletcher

Patricia and Matt Pletcher

Stephen and Jane Poe

READI

Robert E. Richardson Freedom Legacy Fund

Jim Rieckoff

Sharon and Doug Risser

Laura and Marly Rydson

The Arnie and Lori Schumacher Family

Lauri and Brian Smith

Nancy and Dave Smith

THOR Industries Foundation

Cidney and Don Walter

Kimberlee and Scott Welch

Phid and Jeff Wells

Welter Family Foundation

Make your gift.

If you are interested in contributing to The Final Chapter of Wellfield’s expansion as our region’s treasure, please reach out to us today and learn more.

Eric Garton
Robert and Peggy Weed Executive Director
574-266-2006 ext 102
e.garton@wellfieldgardens.org

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