A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon for the Smithgall Woodland Garden, a 168-acre garden being developed off Cleveland Highway near Limestone Parkway.
Mary Pat Matheson, the Executive Director of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which is developing the project, was among more than 100 people who gathered at the site.
"It's going to be the beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but in a woodland setting," said Matheson. "I don't ever foresee the big structures, the conservatory and all of that. What we will do is enhance the woodlands."
The $21 million project will include a visitor's center and a 2,000-seat amphitheatre, which will bear the name of supporters Doug and Kay Ivester. The property will also include woodland walking trails, and at some point in the future, a children's garden, among a number of other amenities.
The land itself was a gift to the city of Gainesville from Lessie Smithgall and her late husband Charles.
Smithgall, who celebrated her 102nd birthday earlier this month, attended the event and told supporters that the Woodland Garden would fulfill a dream that her husband had for the area.
"It was his dream...and I hope it will never be commercialized. I hope it will always be a place of nature...a destination...a natural wonder," said Smithgall.
The facility is expected to be open to the public in June 2014.
Atlanta Botanical Garden Executive Director Mary Pat Matheson addresses supporters
Kay and Doug Ivester visit with Lessie Smithgall at Wednesday's groundbreaking
An artist's rendering of the Doug and Kay Ivester Visitors Center was on display Wednesday
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