Springfield Park District officials unveiled extensive renovations to a 55-year-old landmark with a ribbon cutting on Monday morning.
The conservatory dome at Washington Park Botanical Garden improvements include replacement of the original 50-foot-diameter acrylic dome and entryway windows, and modernization of the heating and cooling systems for guests and plant collections.
The $1.3 million worth of upgrades were funded through a variety of sources according to Park District Board President Leslie Sgro.
The William Ed Quarry Trust provided $380,000 and $370,000 came from a state tourism grant.
Sgro said the Botanical Garden is important to Springfield.
The dome was built in 1971. The Springfield Park District said it contains more than 150 plant species and welcomes about 60,000 visitors annually.
