Mead Botanical Garden to debut renovated clubhouse

A new year is a time for new beginnings — and the staff at the Mead Botanical Garden knows this better than most.

Although a new season typically brings flowers and life to the garden, the Winter Park-partnered nonprofit will debut something else this January — an updated clubhouse. 

The garden will unveil its renovated clubhouse to the public Tuesday, Jan. 22.

“The clubhouse hadn’t seen many improvements since it was originally built,” Executive Director Cynthia Hasenau said. “It was time.”

It’s been a long road for the clubhouse’s official debut. Work started on the building about 18 months ago. The building’s ceilings and overhead lighting have been updated, and a wood-stained oak stage has replaced the former plywood stage. The windows and front door have been updated, as well. In all, the new clubhouse can hold about 175 people, Hasenau said. 

It’s a substantial number of changes, but Hasenau doesn’t believe they come close to the new flooring that has replaced the 70s vinyl tile throughout the building. The flooring had to be installed quickly between two weddings that were scheduled at the clubhouse. The nonprofit paid for the renovations through a $33,000 capital funding allocation with the city, as well as fundraising efforts. 

The clubhouse was originally built by the Winter Park Garden Club in the 1970s and has been a meeting place for the group ever since. 

The 3,000-square-foot building also serves as a community venue for weddings, school dances, athletic banquets, high school luncheons, business meetings, city events and more. 

Hasenau believes the ribbon-cutting will mark the end of the first round of changes. Staff members are discussing future plans to modify the building’s back terrace to further enjoy the garden’s pond and creek as well as a possible addition to the kitchen. 

“We’re hoping down the road to have some upgrades, but right now the clubhouse is a fabulous place,” she said. 

Mead Botanical Garden’s Clubhouse Ribbon-Cutting

WHEN: 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22

WHERE: Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park

WEBSITE: meadgarden.org

CONTACT: Assistant Director Heather Caldwell, (407) 599-2800

UPDATED FEATURES

Ceilings

Front door

New flooring

New oak stage

New tables and chairs 

Overhead Lighting

Windows