Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), the famed Danish-American landscape architect, who regularly included council rings in his designs, said “a ring speaks of strength and friendship and is one of the great symbols of mankind.” In that spirit, the Central Gardens’ Council Ring provides a focal point, a gathering space for small meetings and lectures, an elevated space to take in concerts, a quiet space from which to enjoy a garden view.  The Council Ring picks up the repeating motif of circles in the Gardens and mirrors the stone work of the Moon Gate Located on the Activity Lawn, twelve stone cubes of native Iowa limestone will be added to form the Council Ring and provide seating.

The Activity Lawn is an ideal gathering space for wedding receptions, celebration of life services, exercise classes, and much more. This prominent Lawn can accommodate a dining set up for 700 guests, a theater set up for 825 guests, and tents up to 100 feet by 100 feet. To ensure no damage is done to the irrigation system, tents of any size may be erected on the Lawn only in consultation with Central Gardens.

Rental of the Activity Lawn includes the entire Lawn area, including the School Bell Gazebo and the Council Ring. The Lawn may be rented alone or as part of a package along with the Nature Education Pavilion.