REDMOND, Ore. — Petersen Rock Garden Museum celebrated its grand reopening Saturday, inviting visitors to explore its restored museum and new “Glow Room.”
The Redmond landmark, funded by a $20,000 community grant from Webfoot Home Improvements, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and offered local treats, a silent auction, and a raffle. Hundreds of people showed up, many returning for memories. Some brought old photos, others came with their kids, and some were visiting a place they remembered from childhood.
Owner Marci Wayman said the project reflected the community’s love for the space. “We know the community loves this place and we love the community and we love this place. We’re doing this together,” she said.
Scott Johnson, general manager of Webfoot, described the renovations. “Petersen Rock Garden was nominated by the community. They won the vote and so here we are today. We did an interior paint job, concrete coated floors, and a black light room with reflective UV chips. I can look around and see all the people celebrating this place, and that’s why we do it,” he said.
Volunteers Roger and Lupe Severson said the restoration was a labor of love. “It’s always nice to be needed and this place needed so much work. It was dark, dirty, and abandoned,” they said.
Visitor Oakley Taylor said the reopening was inspiring. “It’s so nice to see people coming and gathering. It’s such a worthwhile project. I think Petersen Rock Garden will be here longer than humans,” she said.
The museum is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., welcoming the community to enjoy its exhibits and gardens.
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