Demere Park had been neglected for many years. When Glynn County decided to update the park in 2008, the Live Oaks Garden Club asked that an area be set aside for a butterfly garden. Live Oaks made a commitment to the county to design, install and maintain the garden. After a year of planning and hard work the garden was officially opened in June of 2009. In 2010 it was designated a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
Landscape Designer Roger Steffens designed the garden that is butterfly shaped. The garden is entered through a custom designed arbor. The crushed brick pathway winds through the garden past the butterfly bath to a restored bench that was discovered in the park during construction. Large topiary bottle brush trees separate the garden from a children's play area. Inside the garden nectar and larval plants are lushly planted. Some days there are literally hundreds of butterflies in the garden.
The club initially committed $3,000 to the project. Friends of Demere Park contributed another $2,100. Donations were received from local merchants and civic groups. The total cost for design and construction was $4,000. Each year Live Oaks estimates the cost of maintenance and allocates from their budget the needed amount. That amount was approximately $1,500 for 2010.
The club holds quarterly clean-up days in the garden which are always well attended. Live Oaks has "officially" adopted Demere Park which means that they are responsible for quarterly clean-up of the entire park area which includes a large ball field, a children's play area, a small skate pad and a wooded area.
Live Oaks has already received a number of awards for their garden. They are very excited about the impact the garden has had on the community. Many people have complimented the club on the garden and have changed their daily walk and running routes to include the garden. This is a very satisfying project for the club.