The Wonder Gardens solidifies partnership with the City of Bonita Springs

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - April 8, 2024 - PRLog -- The City of Bonita Springs has approved a renewable public-private partnership operating agreement with the Wonder Gardens. The agreement was approved after a second reading at the City of Bonita Springs Council meeting on April 3.

"The City is happy to have reached a comprehensive agreement for such a staple in downtown Bonita Springs. The Wonder Gardens is reminiscent of Old Florida, giving a connection to the past for our community. Finalizing the agreement is icing on the cake and a great way to celebrate the city's upcoming 25^th anniversary!" said Mayor Rick Steinmeyer.

In the agreement, the Wonder Gardens will pay the city $50,000 annually in rent and provide capital improvements of $3 million or more over the 10-year term. Any naming rights, subleases and property improvements will require City approval.

"We are grateful to the city officials and the City Council who have taken the time to work out this agreement," said Dr. Wendy Arsenault, chair of the Wonder Gardens board. "As a Bonita Springs resident and previous business owner, I understand the value of the Wonder Gardens for the City and the citizens, providing education and delight while drawing others into our community. As a veterinarian, I am pleased with the changes that have been made in the last several years to make the attraction a topnotch zoo facility and look forward to the future."

"We're so pleased to continue our relationship and collaboration with the City of Bonita Springs, and welcome the vision and commitment to honoring the Wonder Garden's legacy as an iconic representation of Old Florida at its best, while ensuring its relevancy and sustainability as a beloved community institution in the heart of Bonita Springs," said Neil Anderson, president and CEO of the nonprofit that runs the Wonder Gardens. "The support of the City allows us to update and expand the Wonder Gardens experience while continuing what makes the Wonder Gardens so special. With the City's collaboration, we look forward to enhancing all that makes the Wonder Gardens a beloved community treasure that represents a link to the rich, cultural legacy of Bonita Springs."

In 2015, citizens created the nonprofit Bonita Wonder Gardens, Inc. and contracted to purchase the attraction to save it from potential commercial development. When the group could not raise sufficient funds to secure the acquisition, the City provided $3 million, secured by a mortgage. In 2018, when the nonprofit was unable to repay the mortgage, the City took title to the land.

The partnership operating agreement allows the City and the Wonder Gardens to look forward to the community attraction's next chapter.