READI Grant funding supports the quality of life initiative for Wellfield Botanic Garden expansion project.

The state of Indiana and local residents of Elkhart are partnering up to expand the Wellfield Botanic Gardens, with the goal to further enrich the community. The expansion project will be funded by a READI grant. READI supports projects like this which will improve quality of life, thereby attracting Indiana’s strong workforce. The project consists of building a new visitors center, building an Open-Air Pavilion, expanding parking and associated infrastructure,) relocating and repurposing the existing Visitors Cottage, and acquiring adjacent property for future parking. 

$1.2 million in READI funds will be directed to reimbursement costs of expanding the parking lot and relocation of the existing Visitors Cottage. READI funds support increased quality of place, promote economic development, and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion while providing financial sustainability, increasing mission effectiveness and enabling increased collaboration.

 

The Wellfield project is anticipated to be complete by June 2024. The expansion will be designed and managed by Arkos Design of Mishawaka. DJ Construction is providing pre-construction consultation, serves as construction manager/contractor and will obtain sub-contractors, including those selected through a bidding process to complete the parking expansion and Visitors Cottage relocation portions of the project.

 The Community Foundation of Elkhart County has also provided some matching funding as indicated in the fundraising budget. The project will enhance guest experience through improved access and amenities while also serving greater numbers of guests including students and tour buses. The expansion will increase volunteer service opportunities, strengthen partnerships with local schools for community service/internship opportunities and provide increased employment opportunities.

 Wellfield Botanic Gardens is situated on land owned by the city of Elkhart. Today, the site is still an active well site for the city’s water, and Wellfield leases the property for the purposes of operating a not-for-profit botanic garden. Wellfield’s administrative offices are currently housed in the old Public Works Facility, located adjacent to the Gardens at 921 North Main Street. Wellfield Botanic Gardens is funded entirely through private donations, user fees, annual memberships, private grants and earned income.

The READI grant is important to funding this exciting expansion to Wellfield Botanic Gardens. The organization works closely with the city of Elkhart on projects that may have potential impacts on the well field and water operations to ensure that projects comply with all local, state, and federal environmental guidelines and policies. The Wellfield project promises to further improve the quality of life for Elkhart, South Bend and surrounding areas.