Pella Historical Society hosted the official ribbon cutting of the new Scholte Gardens at a celebration Friday night. Executive Director Valerie Van Kooten led a brief ceremony, thanking many donors, supporters, and volunteers assisting with the project since the land it sits on was donated by Casey’s General Stores in 2016.

“When I came in three years ago there was a Casey’s on the corner and a garage, and Casey’s had donated the land to us, and I had a vision of something like this, but I didn’t think it would happen in two or three years,” she says.

Van Kooten is hopeful the community enjoys the space for a variety of activities.

“We hope families come in and use the grass, have picnics, sit in the gazebo, enjoy the gardens, statues, and artwork, and make it their own,” she says.

The creation of the Scholte Gardens was made in conjunction with the $2.5 million Forging Our Future Campaign, which included several renovations and upgrades to facilities at Pella Historical Society and Museums, including the Scholte House, Wyatt Earp Home, and other features in the Historical Village.