Volunteerism is a major component: volunteers help maintain gardens, lead tours, assist with events. The nonprofit model fosters local ownership and involvement. Community events further anchor the site in public life.
Cultural Significance and Visitor Experience
From a visitor’s perspective the transformation is remarkable. The sense of being surrounded by high rock walls, lush plantings, water features, and shaded forest layers creates an immersive experience. Gardens reflecting different moods (succulents, orchids, tropical ponds) offer contrast and interest. The juxtaposition of “industrial subterranean quarry” and “lush botanical escape” resonates as both metaphor and literal experience.
Culturally, the site demonstrates how Florida’s development history—mining, industry, abandonment, recovery—can be integrated into a meaningful narrative. Rather than erasing the past, Cedar Lakes embraces it: the rock walls remain, the quarry form remains visible, but are reclaimed by nature and human creativity. This integration of history, nature and design is part of the site’s unique appeal. shutdown123