“Have your wedding, birthday, fundraiser, company event, family reunion, celebration, or spiritual ceremony at Leila Arboretum or the Children's Garden! ”
These special places offer settings for special events unmatched by traditional
indoor venues. The beautiful environments, with their array of flowering
collections, distinctive grasses, magnificent trees and meandering pathways,
provide the perfect backdrop for events of many kinds and photo opportunities
in abundance.
In early spring, the arboretum bursts into fragrant bloom with thousands of
bulbs and flowering trees. In summer it is a colorful canvas of day lilies, coneflower's,
daisies and other hardy delights.
By autumn, the trees take center stage adorned in reds,
yellows and hues of orange against the richness of evergreens. When winter settles in,
varieties of grasses show off their amazing colors and textures against white snow.
Locations
“ The arboretum offers six distinctive locations, though certainly others may be chosen. ”
Miss Iva Doty Native Plant Garden:
Brides or couples renewing their vows can make a heart-touching entrance from a pathway
into the oval-shaped gardens, the heart of which can be set with chairs providing
seating for as many as 300.
Perennial Gardens:
These beds, carefully placed along the arboretum's central walkway, provide an
inspiring setting for a garden wedding or spiritual ceremony. Floral displays
begin in mid-April and continue throughout the summer. Seating can be arranged
for about 500.
Gazebo:
The arboretum has a gazebo for small, private ceremonies quietly nestled in the hollow
of the hills offering inspiring grand vistas. Seating can be arranged for about 300.
Peace Labyrinth:
Labyrinths are nearly as old as time, but have only recently come back into public
attention for their extraordinary ability to help individuals block out the stress,
confusion, uncertainty of life, and focus their minds to find peace and direction.
Set in a hillside of the arboretum, a small group can gather at the labyrinth for
a time of spiritual unity or individual exploration. Guided events can be arranged.
Children's Garden:
This fenced, one-acre setting with a sheltered pavilion, restrooms, picnic tables and a
small food-preparation area, can be rented in its entirety for private gatherings when
the Children's Garden is not open to the public. Families or groups can also reserve
a table or tables under the pavilion during public events, bring their own picnic fare,
and combine their gathering with activities going on around them. The Children's Garden
has its own paved parking lot.
Fountain:
The fountain at Leila Arboretum holds special attraction to all visitors and is the
ideal backdrop for weddings and events. Even if you utilize one of the many great
locations on the grounds for your event, the fountain is a perfect picture location.
The fountain was renovated in 2010 through donations from friends of the arboretum.
This location can be arranged to seat 300.
“ Parking in the arboretum near these locations is limited. Parking is not allowed on the lawn because the resulting soil compaction inhibits plant and tree growth. Ample paved parking exists near the Kingman Museum and at the Children's Garden (158 spaces). Car-pooling from paved lots is encouraged. Arranging for shuttle service may be appropriate. ”
Leila Arboretum Society has a list of authorized vendors you may contact to rent tents, chairs, podiums, runners, archways, electrical cords, microphones and other needs.
Agreement Policies
A $125 deposit is required.
Final payment is due 30
days before your event.
If an event is canceled
more than 270 days in advance, 50 percent of the deposit will be refunded.
Cancellations less than 270 days in advance will result in forfeiture of the full deposit.
A $150 damage fee is required 30 days before your event.
This will be refunded, providing there is no damage to the grounds or property.
No alcoholic beverages are permitted in Leila Arboretum.
“Leila Arboretum is owned by the City of Battle Creek and managed by Leila Arboretum Society. The Children's Garden is owned and operated by Leila Arboretum Society. ”
