In 2015, the City of Mentor purchased the 53-acre Springbrook Gardens nursery from the Schultz family for $2.5 million in order to preserve the space and create a predominantly passive-use park. Since then, the City purchased an additional 3.25 acre lot that included the family home.
Approximately $7.3 million has been invested in the city’s newest park since then for improvements that include regrading and soil enrichment of the entire property, planting of native flora, expansion of the pond, construction of a boardwalk and 1.7 miles of paved multi-use trails, and most recently – the improvement of the channel stream.
What was once a deep, channelized stream has been successfully restored to a natural flood plain. 2.75 acres of native riparian and wetland plant species were planted, and 2.25 acres of wetland were reconnected to the stream. A second phase of the project will restore an additional 650 linear feet of stream and allow for another acre of native planting to take place.
Although a lot has already been done, the improvement of this park continues to be a work in progress. This year, visitors will be able to enjoy the addition of a 4,400 square foot all-season pavilion which will be sited with a view of the pond. Operable glass sectional doors will allow an open structure for summer use. The building will contain a warming kitchen, interior/exterior bathrooms, and a larger multi-purpose area. Other amenities will include a wood burning fireplace and an outdoor seating area with a covered canopy.
A tree nursery, including a variety of native species, will also be planted this year as well as trees throughout the grounds. Future plans for the park include the addition of a playground, open air pavilions, and benches.
Springbrook Gardens Park is located at 6776 Heisley Road in the City of Mentor.