Jim Mayer, 57, a Notre Dame enthusiast and manager at T.J. Maxx, finds tranquility and solace in the botanical gardens and wooded paths of Mansfield’s Kingwood Center. And as a result, he lost 25 pounds last year.
“I could live here,” said Mayer. When he is not managing at T.J. Maxx in Ontario, Mayer goes to Kingwood to walk the paths at least three days per week. During vacation days however, he can be found strolling through Kingwood every day if the weather is nice.
Around 10 years ago, Mayer started going to Kingwood regularly because he wanted to lose a little weight and get a cardio work-out. When he decided on the route he enjoyed most, which is one that runs opposite to the usual flow of walkers, he measured it with a pedometer and found it was three-quarters of a mile long.
He walks the route no less than twice per visit, averaging an hour and a half. The reason it runs opposite of the flow of walkers is not because he is a rebel, going against the grain of society, but because the route is more uphill. It is more of a challenge.
“I come here because I want to keep active and support local commodities. It’s also nice to come here and think,” said Mayer.
All work-out motives aside, the garden offers a quiet and peaceful place where Mayer and others feel free to to think, to reflect, and to feel. Mayer mainly goes to Kingwood to walk his route, but often he brings a book to read or food to eat. During those times, he said, “I enjoy the quiet and the scenery. I can also talk to the man upstairs.”
The gate charge for Kingwood doesn’t bother Mayer, as a matter of fact, he has a membership. “I know I’m sentimental, but I’m also a business thinker. Kingwood helps fuel the economy. People come here a lot, and I know it has to help out local businesses in some way. Businesses are dependent on each other,” he said.
The Kingwood Center offers more than pristine and pruned gardens. It is also a home for a variety of ducks and bird species including peacocks and Canadian geese. There is also a greenhouse where visitors can view and/or purchase “distinctive garden plants.” The grounds offer woodland paths; two ponds, one of which offers pellets to feed the ducks; and numerous paths that meander through the botanical gardens.
Kingwood charges five dollars as a parking fee. Membership perks are also available for various fees, but Mayer chose the $40 deal that includes unlimited free parking, subscription to the quarterly Kingwood Center newsletter, free admission to participating public gardens throughout North America, and more.
To see the gardens visit Kingwood at 900 Park Avenue West in Mansield, or visit their website or call 419-522-0211.
