Flora, Trails & Hidden Corners
About the Gardens
Explore a living collection of heritage plants, seasonal blooms, and curated landscapes designed to inspire curiosity and calm. From tranquil pathways to vibrant blooms, every visit offers something new.
The Story of Oak Park
In the 1930s, the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm developed plans to transform Oak Park with recreational amenities including swimming and wading pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, gardens, and a small zoo. In 1937, the original wooden pavilion was replaced with a Tudor-style granite building at the park’s main entrance, surrounded by formal gardens and reflecting pools.
Oak Park quickly became one of Montgomery’s premier destinations, featuring a large public swimming pool, children’s wading pool, lighted clay tennis courts, amusement rides, and an expanding zoo. Monkey Island, home to several species of monkeys, became a beloved attraction alongside exhibits with bears, alligators, deer, mountain goats, and other animals. Local icon M.B. “Pop” Myers also became a fixture at the park, delighting generations with his famous popcorn and frozen “shake-ice” Coca-Colas.
In 1959, rather than comply with a federal court ruling requiring desegregation, the City closed Oak Park and its other public parks. The pools were drained, zoo animals were relocated, and the gates were locked. Six years later, the park reopened with a new vision: botanical gardens and educational attractions replaced many of its recreational facilities. The City also funded construction of the W.A. Gayle Planetarium, while sports activities moved to Lagoon Park and the future Montgomery Zoo was developed elsewhere.
Today, Oak Park remains a treasured green space in Midtown Montgomery. Historic features such as Monkey Island, mature trees, and portions of the original landscape endure alongside botanical gardens, walking paths, playgrounds, and the Gayle Planetarium, continuing the park’s legacy as a place for recreation, education, and community gathering.
Excerpt From:
Oak Park and the Montgomery Zoo
For generations, Midtown Montgomerians have enjoyed Oak Park with its interesting and diverse history. In 1886, the Capital City Street Railway Company purchased 105 acres from the Hall’s Woods Tract to serve as a city park adjacent to the first streetcar suburb of Highland Park. Soon after, in 1889, the Highland Park Improvement Company purchased this property to include in their neighborhood development plans, but within 10 years, city officials had been persuaded by Mayor John Clisby to re-acquire (for $25,000) a 45.5 acre section of the tract. Today, Oak Park is bound on the north by Lake Street, on the west by Hall Street, on the south by Palmer Avenue, and on the east by Forest Avenue. The expansion of the Capital City Street Railway allowed for Montgomerians to travel the mile and a half from Court Square to Oak Park. With the construction of the main pavilion, its encircling porch became the scene of many dances, parties, and even political gatherings. The large ornate wooden structure was nestled on a rise in the trees and overlooked the winding paths, picnic areas and playground, making Oak Park a very popular subject for postcards of the day. By the early 1930s, Oak Park was accessible from all over the city by bus lines, and the emergence and availability of the automobile made driving through Oak Park a popular pastime.
Principles That Guide Everything We Do
Our Core Values
Conservation
We prioritize the protection of natural resources and ecosystems, making decisions that support long-term environmental sustainability.
Excellence
We maintain high standards in all we do, fostering commitment and responsibility to uphold the Garden’s quality and reputation.
Inspiration
We create environments that spark imagination and celebrate beauty, encouraging joy, creativity, and a deeper connection to plant life.
Integrity
We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability, guided by ethical behavior and sound judgment in every interaction.
Purpose, Direction & Long-Term Impact
Our Mission
The mission of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens is to establish and nurture the gardens for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all and to preserve Alabama’s unique plant heritage.
Cultivating environment that inspires
A meaningful educational and cultural experiences for all visitors!
Our Vision
The vision of the MBG is to be a vibrant botanical garden that reflects and supports Montgomery’s future as a diverse, thriving city, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.
To be a leading botanical destination
Where nature, sustainability, and community come together.
