Sunken Gardens Renovation
Polishing Lincoln’s Gem
- Funds raised: $1.7 million
- Date completed: Summer 2005
- Size: 1.5 acres
- Endowment: Partial endowment established
The Project
A Community Effort
Built in 1930, Sunken Gardens has long been a treasured part of Lincoln’s landscape. In 2003, our community rallied to renovate it. Through our “Polishing the Gem” campaign, we raised $1.7 million in less than 12 months to breathe new life into the space.
Sunken Gardens’ History
The gardens were built on a former abandoned neighborhood dumpsite, donated by long-time Lincoln families: the Seacrests, the Faulkners, and the Freys.
In those early days, E.M. Bair hired unemployed men to work on the garden for $6.40 per week. By 1931, Lincoln’s “Rock Garden” (its original name) was in full bloom with 416 trees and shrubs. The final construction cost was $2,500.
Fast forward to 2003. After 73 years of minor improvements and even being named one of the “300 Best Gardens to Visit in the U.S. and Canada” by National Geographic, Sunken Gardens was ready for some serious renovations.
Bringing New Life to a Historic Space
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Accessible entrances, walkways, and parking
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A welcoming entry garden pavilion
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New sculptural elements
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Restrooms
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Renovated lily ponds
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A restored cascading water feature
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Additional lawn space for events
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Accessible entrances, walkways, and parking
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A welcoming entry garden pavilion
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New sculptural elements
-
Restrooms
-
Renovated lily ponds
-
A restored cascading water feature
-
Additional lawn space for events
Growing Our Legacy
We established two ongoing programs that have allowed our community to keep caring for this space for years to come.
One Flower Forever
Dedicate a flower in honor of someone special.
Paving the Path
Donate to the garden with an inscribed paver.