BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - TelAve -- Wonder Gardens has been awarded $1.3 million through Florida's State Funds Appropriation to build a new event center.

Secured with the support of State Rep. Adam Botana, the funding will allow Wonder Gardens to build the new event center to serve as a vital space for private events and educational programs, including classes, summer camps and field trips. In addition to Wonder Gardens programming, the space will also be available for the community to rent for private events such as parties, weddings and other gatherings.

The event center will provide a safe, indoor space for year-round events and educational activities, regardless of weather conditions. It will include an onsite kitchen area, additional public restrooms for guests, an entry point to an adjacent aviary and an outdoor deck overlooking the Imperial River and Riverside Park.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support from the State of Florida and Rep. Adam Botana, which will allow us to rebuild a vital part of the Wonder Gardens," said Neil Anderson, president and CEO of Wonder Gardens. "For nearly three years, we've been without a place to host educational programs and community events. Many of our educational programs and camps are held during the summer months, when Florida's rainy season often makes an indoor space essential. This new event center will not only restore these opportunities, but it will also create a welcoming space for the entire community."

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For more information, visit WonderGardens.org/.

About Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs is a nonprofit zoological park and botanical garden established in 1936 that exudes old Florida charm. It serves as a refuge for rescued and non-releasable birds and reptiles. With general admission, guests are invited to explore the lush 3.5-acre landscape and encounter lorikeets, tortoises, alligators, flamingos and more. For more information, visit WonderGardens.org or call 239-992-2591.