Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory

Partners

Since the conception of the Myriad Botanical Gardens, civic leaders have worked closely with private citizens to make the Gardens even better for our guests. The Gardens operates as a division of the City of Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department under the guidance of the Myriad Gardens Authority, an advisory board of city government officials and private citizens appointed by the Mayor of Oklahoma City.

The Myriad Gardens Foundation, another important aspect of keeping the Gardens at their best, is a private nonprofit organization created to provide capital funding, increase public awareness and provide support and involvement for the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Private donations and memberships greatly help the ongoing efforts of the foundation and assist in developing new plant collections, programs and facilities that can be enjoyed by all citizens.

In addition to raising funds for development, the Foundation works with staff in securing grants for special projects. Projects supported by the Foundation include:

Crystal Bridge construction and plant collection
Sound system for the Water Stage
Acquisition of plants
Construction of the Meinders Gardens in 1996 and 1998
Construction of the Dean A. McGee Education Center in 1999
Ongoing fundraising for specialty gardens and capital development

To honor the people dedicated to the vision, development and success of the Gardens, the Myriad Gardens Foundation established the Crystal Orchid Award. This annual award, which was established in 2002, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the Gardens. Past winners include Morton Payne in 2005, Ginny Greenburg in 2004, Dannie Bea Hightower in 2003 and James R. Tolbert III in 2002.

Funding

Approximately $14.4 million was raised to purchase and clear the land, develop the infrastructure and begin landscaping. This came largely from federal funds and private donations and also paid for the installation of the initial tropical plant collection in the Crystal Bridge. Of this $14.4 million, 78% was received from federal programs, 19% from private sources and 3% from city bond issues.

Since opening, $4.5 million has been spent on improvements to the exterior grounds, including completion of the east gardens and lake, a lift station, a visitor’s parking lot and fountains, lights and landscaping along Sheridan Avenue.