The Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center reopened today following several weeks of being closed due to COVID-19 prevention.

Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, along with all parks and trails operated by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, were allowed to remain open throughout the city and county stay-home orders. Attendance at Springfield Botanical Gardens has been very strong, even while the Botanical Center, playgrounds and other features have been closed. Playgrounds reopened May 14 and the park continues to be busy.

The Botanical Center’s atrium, front desk, gift shop and restrooms reopen to the public on a modified schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. At this time, no meetings, rentals or classes are taking place in the building.

The parks’ Sensory Garden Fountain, installed and opened (briefly) in Fall 2019, reopens for the summer season Saturday, May 23.

The Gray/Campbell Farmstead will begin opening to the public on weekends beginning Saturday, May 30 with limited hours and access. Call Botanical Center at 891-1515, ext. 2 for updates.

The Roston Native Butterfly House opens to the public Monday, June 1. Daily hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. However, the schedule depends on volunteer staffing availability. Call the Botanical Center at 891-1515, ext. 2, to confirm daily hours. Admission is free, but capacity inside the Butterfly House is limited, based on current city orders.

The Butterfly Festival with Young Sprouts in the Garden, previously scheduled for June 20, will transition into a virtual event in July. Details will be published on the Friends of the Garden website and social media pages.

The University of Missouri Greene County Extension Office has not restored regular office ours, but is offering services by phone. Call MU Extension at 417-881-8909 to schedule soil test drop offs, pesticide license testing and check for updates on programs and activities.

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is scheduled to reopen in mid-June. The garden, closed during city and county stay-home orders, has been under construction for several weeks with installation of new concrete walkways, replacing older asphalt, along with turf repairs. The garden will reopen once the renovations are complete.

All park, facility and trail visitors are reminded to keep a minimum six-foot distance from others, make sure they wash their hands before and after visiting, avoid touching their faces, cover any coughs or sneezes, and please stay home if they are feeling any symptoms of illness.

Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is open daily sunrise to sunset, at 2400 S Scenic Ave. For more information on Springfield Botanical Gardens, visit ParkBoard.org/Botanical or call 417-891-1515.

For more information on COVID-19 prevention in Parks, visit ParkBoard.org/Coronavirus.