Alnwick Garden, Northumberland, UK
The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland is one of the most exciting contemporary gardens to be developed in the last century, a magical landscape created from a unique idea.

The Duchess of Northumberland's vision was to create a beautiful public space accessible to everyone: a garden for contemplation, fun, inspiration and education. Belgian designer Jacques Wirtz and his son Peter have transformed a 12-acre forgotten and derelict plot of land into an exciting scene, dancing with water and ringing with the sounds of life. The Garden is a sequence of busy and quiet spaces, with the gentle and introspective Rose Garden feeling far remote from the children playing in spectacular water displays. The garden also features The Poison Garden, The Woodlawn Walk, The Ornamental Garden, The Serpent Garden, The Bamboo Labyrinth, and one of the largest tree houses in the world.

In a relatively short space of time, the Alnwick Garden has been recognized not only for gardening excellence but also as a transformational project using its resources to provide real, measurable benefit for people. The Garden contributes to the regeneration of a rural community as tourism takes on a new level of importance, and it provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to experience the arts, enjoy learning new skills, and get outdoors for activity or relaxation.

For more information visit the Alnwick Garden website.

Plans Unveiled for Conservancy Garden at Jewel of Orange County 2008
At our third annual Jewel of Orange County fundraising event on July 11, 2008, the Conservancy hosted 550 guests in one of the former El Toro Marine base hangars. Guests enjoyed cocktails while they browsed the silent auction of stunning jewelry. Later they enjoyed an organic, California-grown gourmet dinner all presented using recyclable products and renewable resources. A live auction representing future Conservancy programs included the Conservancy Garden, Wildlife Corridor, National Archives, Heritage Foundation, and the Great Park Community Farm. Dinner, the live auction, and entertainment by Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings were presented on the tarmac under the stars on this beautiful summer evening.

As a hallmark of the Conservancy’s progress, the event included an announcement of plans to begin work on the Conservancy Garden (see video), which is envisioned to be a source of inspiration for the larger Botanical Garden in the Great Park. This garden will be world-class in design, feature beautiful horticulture, include opportunities for learning, and be changeable and renewable. In an historic agreement between the Great Park Corporation and the Great Park Conservancy, the Conservancy is moving forward with plans to develop and operate this garden. The agreement represents a tremendous opportunity for both the Great Park Corporation and Great Park Conservancy because it will mark the park’s first permanent project and establish the foundation for future projects between the Great Park Corporation and the Great Park Conservancy.

Posted July 21, 2008

Conservancy Pledges $500,000 for Garden at the Great Park
The Great Park Conservancy’s Board of Directors has pledged to raise a minimum of $500,000 for the creation of a Conservancy Garden at the Orange County Great Park. Great Park Corporation Board Chair Larry Agran called the offer “a truly significant act worthy of note and deepest appreciation.” He went on to say that the Conservancy’s support promises to be “an integral part of a Great Park for all of Orange County to enjoy.”

Over the past year, the Conservancy conducted initial research for the Botanical Garden at the Orange County Great Park. In the course of this research, the idea for a Conservancy Garden as a first feature of the larger garden began to grow. The Conservancy Garden will be a source of inspiration for the larger garden. It will be world class in design, tell the story of the future botanical garden, include opportunities for learning, and be changeable and renewable. The Conservancy will immediately begin working with Great Park Master Designer Ken Smith and the Great Park Design Studio to discuss design issues and opportunities for the Conservancy Garden.

The Conservancy envisions the Great Park to be one of the world’s great metropolitan parks. Our role is to generate and maintain public and private support throughout Orange County and beyond for the development and operation of the Orange County Great Park.

We look forward to working with the Great Park Corporation and the Great Park Design Studio to support the planning, development, financing and operation of the Orange County Great Park – beginning with this partnership on the Conservancy Garden.

Posted February 8, 2008

Great Park Survey Results
In early December, members of the public were invited to attend an Open House at the Great Park, meet and talk with the Park designers, and participate in a short survey on proposed Park programs. The Conservancy offered an opportunity and encouraged those who could not attend the Open House to participate in the survey on-line.

Results of the survey have been compiled and are presented here in summary, along with comments by survey participants. Among the key findings are that people want: a mix of uses within the Park; features and programs that take advantage of the outdoors and unique space of the Park; and, facilities and amenities that are not otherwise available.

—

Among the most popular attractions are:
Outdoor Performance Space
Botanical Garden
Amphitheater
Hiking Trails
Biking Trails
Nature Trails
Farmer's Market
Regional Festivals
Outdoor Cinema
Wildlife Observation Areas
Community Gardens.

Comments by survey participants included:
"The Great Park is an opportunity to provide Orange County with extraordinary museums, hiking paths, gardens, etc. that can be enjoyed by all ages..."

"Keep it green. Keep it interactive. Keep it about community in O.C."

"The park should act as a town square or focal point for all of Orange County to come together. It should incorporate much needed cultural venues where residents can find substance for the mind and soul."

—

If you would like to receive a copy of the complete survey results, please call our Conservancy offices at 949.653.1775.

Posted December 20, 2007

Great Park Open House Invites Public to Comment on Park Programs
The public continues to play an important role in the design of the Orange County Great Park. On December 1st and 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Great Park Balloon site, the public is invited to the "Make the Great Park Your Park" Open House. Guests will be able to meet and talk with the Great Park designers, review exhibits and comment on proposed park programs through a short survey.

Members of the public who are unable to attend the event will be able to take the survey online at ocgp.org. The online survey will be available from December 1st through the 8th.

Programs under consideration have been grouped into five general areas: sports and recreation; cultural and social institutions and activities; historic preservation; ecology and nature; and festivals and events. Exhibits depicting programs in each of these areas will be on display for public review and comment. Public comments will help to guide the designers in recommending programs for inclusion in the Great Park Schematic Design.

The results of the survey will be presented to the Orange County Great Park Corporation Board on December 13th.

To take the survey click here …

Posted November 30, 2007

Great Park News Archive