Dedication of Water Street Entrance Sign 
Photo by Bill Lackey, reprinted courtesy of the Springfield News-Sun. HBG embodies grassroots volunteer effort at its best. The sign is the creation of Board member Fred Aukeman (second from left) and Bev Kitchen, retired JVS teacher. Flanking the sign are HBG President Paulette Aukeman and Executive Director Paul Parlato. With them, from left to right, are three members of the Springfield Foundation, a principal HBG funder: Joan Elder, Ted Vander Roest, and Bill Scarff. At the extreme right is Cari Hillman of Arts Interface, HBG's graphics support agency. |
History
Our immediate roots originate with Mark Aukeman, who started a long-running Springfield nursery and greenhouse center called Hollandia Gardens in 1915. Springfield/Clark County has been a decidedly "green" community, with a strong history in horticulture that has evolved into today's thriving nursery farm sector. Mission To establish a public botanical garden for the Springfield/Clark County community. Through the display of plants in creatively designed settings, the Garden is to serve as a center for enjoyment, education, and conservation and as a living exhibit of community pride. Vision Through a guided encounter with the plant world, to provide enjoyment and a sense of wonder for all ages and for residents and visitors alike. To invite a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the dynamics of plant life and thereby the entire living world. To connect our community with the global network of professionals dedicated to the collection of plant species, botanical and horticultural studies, and environmental stewardship. To serve as a community center for a range of activities that include celebration, education and research, and wellness activities. In keeping with the Hollandia name, to connect the community to its rich and continuing heritage in agriculture and horticulture. To stimulate and complement other enhancements along the Buck Creek corridor and throughout the community. Staff
For almost seven years since its founding in the the year 2000, our organization had consisted entirely of volunteers, led by Paulette Aukeman Thomas, Board President. The scope of achievement by this small group, leading to the development of the Master Plan, has been astonishing, and the support of local foundations, businesses, and generous individuals has been most encouraging.
In September 2007, the Board made the bold decision to employ an Executive Director to focus the efforts of the organization and push the Garden project forward. It has chosen Paul Parlato, Dean Emeritus, School of Community Education at Wittenberg University. Paul’s activities have centered on establishing sound Board of Directors Paulette Thomas (President) Fred Aukeman Gene Clifton Glenda Greenwood Brian Kampman Holly LeFevre Earl Robinson Ron Shoemaker Anila Varghese Executive Director Paul Parlato |
administrative procedures and implementing an effective communication program. Highlights of the initial period include HBG's first operating budget--with a $1440 surplus generated through December '07 and HBG's first member renewal mailing--contributing to a record single month for individual donations. Perhaps most reassuring has been the addition of 150 new supporters as of October 2008, more than doubling our total membership. These efforts provide a foundation for the next challenge: organizing a major fund-raising campaign. We are grateful to the Springfield Foundation, the Turner Foundation, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and individual donors, whose grants and gifts for operating support have made our new administrative structure possible.
Paul’s appointment has coincided with the opening of a Hollandia office, provided by the generosity of James and Nike Lagos, in Suite 224 of the historic Bushnell Building (14 East Main Street—across from Springfield’s dynamic Core Block). Visitors are welcome. For convenient access, park on the 4th level of the adjacent garage (entrances on Limestone or Columbia); follow the Hollandia signs across the walkway. Or park on the street, come into the front entrance, and take the elevator to the 2nd floor.
To contact Paul or Paulette, click here.
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