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Bowen Park Formal Garden
The Formal Garden awaits your Visit! Come stroll through the garden in Bowen Park. The Formal Garden offers one of the finest floral displays in the Chicagoland region. Beginning in early Spring and continuing through late Fall, an ever changing array of colors of annuals, perennials, and roses will greet you. The Bowen Formal Garden was dedicated in 1991 as part of the Waukegan Park District’s 75th anniversary. The gazebo and water fountain make it a favorite site for weddings and pictures. The gazebo is available for rentals for small outdoor wedding ceremonies. Lilac Cottage is available for rental as a bride's room, dressing areas or for small receptions. For more information, please contact the Parks Department at 847-360-4725.
Location
The Bowen Formal Garden is located in Bowen Park and is accessible using the south entrance to the park.
Jack Hofflander Wildflower Refuge
Wildflowers are peacefully taking root in Bowen Park thanks to the generosity of New York artist Jack Hofflander and the Waukegan Park District.
Hofflander, a native of Waukegan, enjoyed Bowen Park as a youngster. Therefore, he chose it as the site to sow his dream of preserving endangered wildflowers. “We hope to educate the public about wildflowers and their fragile habitat while providing a visually pleasing refuge,” said Hofflander.
On May 29, 1995, Jack Hofflander’s dream materialized as friends and residents gathered to celebrate the beginning of the refuge and the initial planting of wetland wildflowers around two lily ponds and a waterfall.
The Sandee Memorial Seating Area and Shade Garden became part of the Refuge on June 7, 1996. It includes an area of prairie wildflowers, tree plantings, a waterfall which extends into the ravine and a bridge extending over the stream.
Jack dedicated a portion of his estate to support the refuge, but additional help is needed to make the project a reality. If you’re interested in giving a gift of gratitude, commemorating a special day or event, making a financial contribution, donating a plant or volunteering your time, contact Mike Trigg, Supt. of Parks at the Waukegan Park District, (847) 360-4724 or write to us at 2000 Belvidere St., Waukegan, IL 60085-6172.
• Park Permit & Rental Rates and Application [English], [Spanish]
Please check back shortly for Spanish version of the 2010 Park Permit and Rental Information!