Cooley Gardens

Cooley Gardens. . , Cooley Gardens was established in 1938 when Eugene. F. Cooley gave the land to the City of Lansing for a park. The family home was demolished and the pavilion was built on that part of the site., Landscape architect Edward H. Laird of Birmingham, Michigan created the initial design for the gardens based on the English concept of a series of outdoor rooms. Construction started in 1940, and the major work was completed by 1942. The gardens were dedicated to "the horticultural education and pleasure of garden lovers!", For the next 20 years, Cooley Gardens was a well-loved and cared-for public park, But by the mid-1960s, the construction. of 1-496 cut the gardens off from the downtown business: district and the area deteriorated., In the mid-1980s, a group formed in support of the gardens and the gardens underwent a major transformation. The City of Lansing hired a full-time gardener, who along with seasonal staff, provided expert loving care and introduced many unique and unusual trees and plants. With the help of volunteers, work has continued to maintain the gardens as a Lansing treasure.