Park Blog

Thank you to the Friends of Allerton for their support in our efforts to uphold the beauty of the Park. Over the last two days our bronze statues have been cleaned and waxed by statue restoration company, Sculpture Sources. Check out the before and after images of the Sun Singer and Sea Maiden! Interested in helping with projects like this? Consider becoming a friend today! … [Read more...] about Statue Cleaning

We gathered on a beautiful fall day to officially dedicate the restored Triangle Parterre Garden in memory of Barry L. Brehm, who found joy sharing the beauty of Allerton through his photography. We would like to thank everyone who attended to celebrate with us, and to Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann for their generosity and investing in the future of Allerton. For more information on how you can help with projects like this, please visit our Wish List or contact our Associate Director of … [Read more...] about Triangle Parterre Garden Dedication

Visit us soon for a look at the bright and colorful koi fish in the newly restored Koi Pond. Donations from the Spring Soiree Fundraiser were used to renovate the Koi Pond. Originally Robert Allerton’s swimming pool, this water feature outside the Mansion's Solarium is now home to about 40 koi fish. Money raised at the Soirée funded complete rebuild of the plumbing and filtration, as well as the addition of plants and gravel to aid in filtration and aesthetics. Watch the video above for a look … [Read more...] about Koi Pond Renovation Complete

Allerton Park and Retreat Center has announced a new initiative focused on making the Park more accessible, thanks to a lead gift from Sandy Haas of Champaign. Haas’ gift, and future donations to the Accessible Allerton fund, will allow more people to experience the history, nature, and art found at the estate, which was built over 100 years ago by Robert Allerton. “Since Allerton used to be a private residence, not everything here is accessible,” explained Director Derek Peterson. … [Read more...] about Fundraising initiative aims to make Allerton accessible to all

Robert Allerton’s original Gazebo in the Spring Grove Garden was recently restored, thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor. Over the years the gazebo had fallen into disrepair, and unfortunately due to budget constraints had not been given the attention it deserved. Now, this little-known hideaway looks as good as new, and serves as the perfect resting spot between the Reflecting Pond and Visitor Center. Little-known fact: Near the Gazebo you will notice two pieces of limestone—the markers … [Read more...] about Gazebo Restoration

Thanks to all the guests and supporters of our Spring Soirée Fundraiser last month! A wonderful afternoon celebrating Allerton and raising money for the Koi Pond renovation. Originally Robert Allerton’s swimming pool, this water feature outside the Mansion's Solarium is now home to about 40 koi fish. Money raised at the Soirée will fund the complete rebuild of the plumbing and filtration, as well as the addition of plants and gravel to aid in filtration and aesthetics. View pictures from the … [Read more...] about Koi Pond Renovation

Director Derek Peterson addressed community members at an informal "State of Allerton" address in the Mansion's Library on June 4, 2019. "There is plenty of work that awaits Allerton Park and Retreat Center staff each and every year as it maintains the 1,500-acre facility and 100-plus year old buildings. At the same time, officials continue to make progress on dreams spelled out in the 2015 master plan. Park Director Derek Peterson told interested parties in an annual update on June 4 … [Read more...] about State of Allerton

The historic Brick Wall Garden at Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello) will be restored and maintained in perpetuity, thanks to a gift from Deborah and Michael Westjohn of rural Monticello. The Brick Wall Garden, designed by the same architect as the Allerton Mansion, John Borie, is the oldest of the Formal Gardens. Originally a Vegetable Garden meant to supply the occupants of the house with fresh produce, today the Brick Wall Garden contains lawns, bulbs, annual and perennial … [Read more...] about Donation funds Brick Wall Garden improvements, endowment