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Hudson Gardens Vision Plan

South Suburban launched a new Comprehensive Vision, Strategic, and Facility Plan for Hudson Gardens. This plan will guide the botanical gardens’ priorities and vision for the next 10 years. It includes technical and financial analysis, as well as strategic planning for sustainability and enjoyment for generations to come.

The South Suburban Board of Directors approved the plan at their July 9, 2025 business meeting.

Community members were invited to share input through surveys, interviews, public meetings and interactive events. Feedback clearly indicated that Hudson Gardens is deeply valued as both a peaceful retreat and active community gathering space.

To ensure Hudson Gardens remains a cherished destination, the focus will be to preserve the breadth of its offerings while making thoughtful improvements that support long-term sustainability. It also involves expanding partnerships, securing new funding sources, and aligning closely with South Suburban’s Guiding Principles.

This strategy emphasizes finding the right balance between gardens, events, and educational programs, while enhancing visitor support, strengthening operational flexibility, and reintroducing live performances in a way that respects Hudson Gardens’ unique character. Before bringing back multiple large-scale live performances, Hudson Gardens must secure parking and traffic management, assess infrastructure and costs, and explore lasting partnerships.

Together these strategies will help cultivate the future of Hudson Gardens.

Capital Improvement Projects

Short Term Recommendations

Focusing on projects that can be implemented within the next few years, these short-term improvements aim to address immediate needs, enhance visitor experiences, and set the foundation for long-term growth.

  • BOTANICAL GARDEN MASTER PLAN: Develop a comprehensive master plan for the gardens, including public and stakeholder input, site planning, priority projects, and cost estimates.
  • BRANDING AND WAYFINDING: Establish a cohesive brand identity with updated website, wayfinding, interpretive signage, and visitor orientation systems to enhance the overall experience.
  • CAFÉ AND RESTROOMS: Modernize the café to expand menu options and improve vendor operations, while updating adjacent restroom facilities for better accessibility and guest comfort.
  • PATHWAYS AND ACCESSIBLE ROUTES: Upgrade pathways to ensure ADA compliance, improve drainage, and provide accessible routes, and wayfinding signage to key areas like the Bloom Room, Inn, and other programmed spaces.
  • SITE SECURITY: Install perimeter fencing, lockable gates, and upgraded locks to enhance security while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
  • WELCOME FACILITY AND GARDEN ENTRANCE: Reimagine the main entrance to include a new welcome center, gift shop, administrative offices, wayfinding and visitor orientation signage, and flexible event spaces to better serve visitors and staff.

Mid to Long Term Recommendations

These projects focus on transformative improvements that will expand Hudson Gardens’ capacity, enhance its educational offerings, and strengthen connections to the surrounding community.

  • BOTANICAL GARDEN ENHANCEMENTS: Implement the Botanical Garden Master Plan, including new themed gardens, expanded planting areas, wayfinding and interpretive signage, and upgraded pathways to improve the visitor experience.
  • EDUCATION CENTER: Convert the existing Administration Building to a flexible indoor-outdoor education center to support classes, workshops, field trips, and community programming, reinforcing Hudson Gardens’ mission as a hub for learning and discovery.
  • LIVE PERFORMANCE SPACE: Develop a permanent structure with infrastructure and amenities to support various types of live performances and events.
  • MAINTENANCE BARN: Enhance to provide a modern maintenance facility with secure indoor and outdoor storage, office space, and utilities to support long-term operations and staff needs.
  • NORTH RESTROOM: Replace the aging north restroom with a larger, fully accessible facility to better support the Bloom Room, Rose Garden, and nearby event spaces.
  • PARKING IMPROVEMENTS: Upgrade parking lots with improved paving, wayfinding, lighting, drainage, and landscaping to enhance visitor safety and capacity during peak events.
  • RIVER INTEGRATION PROJECT: Strengthen connections to the Mary Carter Greenway, enhancing access points, creating new garden entrances, and integrating landscape improvements along the South Platte River.
  • THE OVERLOOK RESTROOM: Add a restroom facility and catering/bar station to the Overlook Pavilion, expanding its functionality for programming and rental events.