 INTERIOR OF CHAPEL  THE TEAM WITH 2008 MISS UNIVERSE |  ARTWORK BY ANTONIUS ROBERTS  ENTRANCE TO GARDEN OF THE GROVES |
FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA, SEPT 17, 2009 – The world-famous Garden of the Groves in Grand Bahama has launched an all-new web site to help keep local residents and visitors up-to-date on the activities and services at the popular island destination.
The new web site features a detailed event calendar, news about the Garden, and a beautifully finished illustrated map of the expansive 12-acre natural sanctuary, which can be viewed online or downloaded as a high-resolution PDF document.
The web site is located at: http://www.TheGardenOfTheGroves.com
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Dozens of photos help give someone considering a visit to the Garden a taste of what they can expect to experience there. And regular visitors can also enjoy reliving past events at the Garden through the photo galleries throughout the new web site.
Erika Gates of the Garden of the Groves said that the new web site is an important part of the operation. “We know that so many of our visitors to the island want to plan their time here so we’re sure our new web site will help them do that,” Mrs Gates said. “Local residents also want to know when we have special events going on, so our web site will make it easy for people to plan their next visit to the Garden of the Groves.” The Garden of the Groves was first dedicated 36 years ago to honour the contribution of Mrs and Mrs Wallace Groves, the original founders of the city of Freeport. The facility thrived for decades but was severely damaged in 2004 when Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne devastated many areas of the island and left the Garden in ruins.
A new team was formed to determine and execute a new plan for the Garden, and with the financial assistance from the Grand Bahama Port Authority for the restoration the grand re-opening took place on October 30th 2008. The Garden of the Groves now includes new features such as The Garden Café, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day on a large wooden deck among the trees. New Garden Shoppes, housed in charming New England-style cottages featuring local crafts and products, are now in full operation, as is the Grand Bahama Labyrinth, and a newly expanded children’s playground area. The historic chapel has also been restored and air-conditioned, making it a beautiful site for local and destination weddings, renewal of vows, baptisms and memorial services.
Since reopening, the Garden of the Groves has been certified by the U.S. Wildlife Federation as a Wildlife Habitat, a testament to its vital role in providing a place for local wildlife to thrive.Other features on the new Garden of the Groves web site include more than a dozen ‘frequently asked questions’ and answers, details about becoming a member of the Garden, and contact information. The web site was designed and is hosted by local media and marketing company Keen i Media Ltd, and is located at www.TheGardenOfTheGroves.com.
