Olbrich Botanical Gardens - 2026 Comprehensive Plan Design Scenarios

Olbrich's annual attendance has grown from 240,000 guests in 2000 to a record 393,000 guests in 2025. Because the city of Madison and Dane County are the fastest-growing communities in the state of Wisconsin, we look forward to welcoming even more guests in the future. We're excited to imagine together what Olbrich Botanical Gardens could become in 20 years and to start planning how to get there. Your input is important for us helping understand what we imagine for our future. **Thank you for sharing your feedback on two proposed scenarios.**

East Side Expansion

Both scenarios expand the gardens on the east side of Starkweather Creek. The main difference between the scenarios is the programs for the new gardens and their configuration.

Scenario 1 proposes a East Side Events Hub:

A new Event Garden alleviates space constraints at the existing event garden.
A new 4-season building with a multipurpose room, restrooms, catering setup, and storage space support the new Event Garden.
A new plaza adjacent to the building provides a welcoming entry with picnic tables.
A new pollinator garden surrounds the new plaza, with temporary exhibits and a nature play area.

Scenario 2 proposes a Place for Multigenerational Connection:

A new open-air pavilion with an outdoor kitchen offers dual function for everyday picnics and supports seasonal event functions on the east side.
A small plaza with picnic tables creates a welcoming entry on the east side.
A new Edible Garden near the Thai garden celebrates global cultures through food.
A new Learning Garden on the east side offers adventures for kids and families with direct access to a nature play area and a multi-purpose lawn for picnics and games

Question Title

* 1. Which option do you prefer for expansion on the east side?

Scenario 1 - East Side Events Hub

Scenario 2 - A Place for Multigenerational Connection

No preference

Question Title

* 2. What do you like most from the list below about scenario 1?

A new Event Garden that alleviates space constraints at the existing Event Garden.

A new 4-season building with a multipurpose room, restrooms, catering setup, and storage space.

A new plaza that provides a welcoming entry with picnic tables.

A new pollinator garden with temporary exhibits and a nature play area

Question Title

* 3. What do you like least from the list below about scenario 1?

A new Event Garden that alleviates space constraints at the existing Event Garden.

A new 4-season building with a multipurpose room, restrooms, catering setup, and storage space.

A new plaza that provides a welcoming entry with picnic tables.

A new pollinator garden with temporary exhibits and a nature play area

Question Title

* 4. What do you like most from the list below about scenario 2?

A new open-air pavilion with an outdoor kitchen offers dual function for everyday picnics and supports seasonal event functions on the east side.

A small plaza with picnic tables that creates a welcoming entry on the east side.

A new Edible Garden near the Thai garden celebrates global cultures through food.

A new Learning Garden on the east side that offers adventures for kids and families with direct access to a nature play area and a multi-purpose lawn for picnics and games.

Question Title

* 5. What do you like least from the list below about scenario 2?

A new open-air pavilion with an outdoor kitchen offers dual function for everyday picnics and supports seasonal event functions on the east side.

A small plaza with picnic tables that creates a welcoming entry on the east side.

A new Edible Garden near the Thai garden celebrates global cultures through food.

A new Learning Garden on the east side that offers adventures for kids and families with direct access to a nature play area and a multi-purpose lawn for picnics and games.