Grandmothers’ Legacy of Love Butterfly Sculpture Garden — Now Open!
Project Update: Grand Opening & Butterfly Release
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Orlando Land Trust proudly joined community members, city leaders, and families in celebrating the grand opening of the Grandmothers’ Legacy of Love Butterfly Sculpture Garden at Lake Eola Park. What began as a vision to honor grandmothers and preserve green space has now blossomed into a permanent, living tribute in the heart of downtown Orlando.
A Dream Takes Flight
The celebration opened with a magical moment: the release of dozens of butterflies into the new garden. Guests watched as the butterflies took wing, symbolizing renewal, joy, and the continuation of life’s cycles.
The garden itself is thoughtfully designed with native and pollinator-friendly plants that support every stage of a butterfly’s life. From nectar-rich blooms to host plants for caterpillars, it’s a sanctuary for both butterflies and people alike. Adding to its beauty, acclaimed artist Barbara Sorensen created striking butterfly sculptures that now serve as a centerpiece for visitors to admire.
“I am so honored and thrilled to have my work chosen for such a prominent, important spot in the city,” Sorensen shared.
Preserving and Enhancing Green Space
The Butterfly Sculpture Garden was made possible thanks to Orlando Land Trust’s purchase of the property at the corner of Rosalind Avenue and Central Boulevard—land that was then donated to the City of Orlando. This important step not only preserved more green space for future generations, but also created a space that embodies love, memory, and connection.
As Lynn Long of the Orlando Land Trust expressed: “We purchased the property … not only to expand green space, but to make green space more beautiful.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer echoed that vision during the opening: “Now we’re going to have another amenity, this new butterfly garden that people will come to enjoy.”
Part of a Larger Renewal
The Butterfly Garden is just one piece of a broader $60 million renovation project at Lake Eola Park, which includes improvements to the amphitheater, updated restrooms and concessions, expanded seating, landscaping enhancements, and a relocated swan marina. Together, these efforts are ensuring that Lake Eola Park remains a vibrant, welcoming destination for generations to come.
Visit the Garden
The Grandmothers’ Legacy of Love Butterfly Sculpture Garden is now open to the public at Lake Eola Park. We invite you to visit, enjoy the blooms and sculptures, and take a quiet moment to reflect on the legacies of love that shape our lives.
This garden is more than just a green space—it’s a living testament to the impact of grandmothers and the power of community to protect and beautify our natural world.