Kingwood Center Gardens

Help Kingwood restore Mr. King’s historic Formal Gardens

In continued celebration of Kingwood Center Gardens' 70th anniversary of opening to the public, we invite you to join us in launching a special commemorative project – the repair and restoration of Mr. King’s historic Formal Gardens.

Designed by notable landscape architects Pitkin and Mott, these original gardens showcase the handcrafted style of the Arts and Crafts architectural movement. Built in 1926 alongside Kingwood Hall, Mr. King’s Formal Gardens begin at the Sunken Garden, pass through the former pool area in the Trellis Garden, and continue from the Lady of Gaillardias statue up the stairway to Pan the Piper.

Why is this project important? Here’s how your contribution will make a difference:

• Honor the original design vision of Pitkin and Mott by bringing back intended sightlines and handcrafted garden features, paying tribute to the significance of the Arts and Crafts style
• Repair, restore, or replace original sculptures and elements to echo the initial design aesthetic
• Refresh and restore drainage, masonry, statuary, and water features, including the addition of a reflection pool in the former swimming pool area
• Stabilize and repair the deteriorating walkways while improving accessibility
• Replant areas with selections that better represent the original plantings while being mindful of current invasive varieties
• Upgrade irrigation system, relocate sprinkler heads, and expand infrastructure for electric, water, sewer, and communications
• Share the story and historic significance of these gardens with future generations of visitors

Your gift guarantees the Kingwood story will continue to be told for the next 70 years and for generations to come. Will you accept the challenge to help preserve this vital part of Kingwood’s history?

About Us

Kingwood Center Gardens is an exquisite garden estate on 47 acres in Mansfield, OH that once was the home of the innovative industrialist, Charles Kelley King. Kingwood is renowned for its distinctive floral displays, unique plant specimens, woodland trails, historic mansion and gardens, display greenhouse, duck pond, and peacocks. Signature events like Wine Walk, the Great Pumpkin Glow and Christmas at Kingwood delight tens of thousands of guests annually and provide vital support for this non-profit organization.

In mid-October 2020, Kingwood celebrated the opening of the Garden Gateway, a new visitor center with a café, garden and gift shop, ballroom, exhibit gallery, and guest amenities. The Garden Gateway Project also includes the Grand Perennial Garden with Perennial Pavilion, the new Draffan Fountain Terrace, and a Nature Pond. 

Annual visitation averages nearly 100,000 guests, which includes general admissions, special events, rentals and weddings.