Chicago Botanic Garden

for immediate release

Chicago Botanic Garden Offers Outdoor Activities
This Winter

Ice Skating, Nov. 27, 2009, through Jan. 31, 2010
Snowshoeing, Nov. 27, 2009, through Mar. 31, 2010

 

Media Only:
Melissa Schuler
(847) 835-6829, direct
mschuler@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (October 14, 2009)—For the first time, visitors to the Chicago Botanic Garden can enjoy ice skating and snowshoeing activities during Wonderland Express. Starting Nov. 27, 2009, through Jan. 31, 2010, the Esplanade will be transformed into an ice rink and visitors will be able to sight-see on snowshoes (both weather permitting). Ice skating hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2010, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends from Jan. 9 through 31 and on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. Snowshoeing hours are from 10 a.m. to sunset from Nov. 27, 2009, through March 31, 2010. Visitors must bring their own skates and snowshoes.

The ice rink will be set up on the larger lawn of the Esplanade and will have short walls surrounding the perimeter. Skaters can practice their double-axels, arabesques, and Lutz jumps among the Garden’s wintry backdrop (weather permitting), which includes a 40-foot tree lit with multicolored LED lights. The tree is surrounded by large lit spheres that appear to be ornaments fallen from the tree. Additionally, the trunks of the elm trees that line the Esplanade will be wrapped with white lights. Visitors are encouraged to visit www.chicagobotanic.org/skate for information on rink availability.

The Garden also invites snowshoeing enthusiasts to experience a wonderful new way to enjoy the Garden's winter beauty. There is no cost for snowshoeing. Participants must bring their own snowshoes.

Both ice skating and snowshoeing activities are weather permitting. Ice skating on the Esplanade costs $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. Members save $1 per ticket. Wonderland Express/Ice Skating combination tickets are also available for purchase. Cost is $13 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12. Members save $2 per ticket. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. For more information visit www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/winter or call (847) 835-5440.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 24 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.