In 2018 the vestry appointed the Ryals Garden Committee to redesign the Garden Close. Starting with the recommendations of the Campus Utilization Task Force, the Ryals Garden Committee met with representatives of ten church ministries, committees and staff, and compiled a set of priorities (see below) for the redesign of the Garden Close. These priorities became the “scope of work” for a Request for Proposals which was sent last spring to selected design firms. In August, the vestry approved entering into a contract with the Sears Design Group for the preparation of a master plan for the redesign of the Garden Close. That conceptual plan was approved by the vestry at its meeting on November 23, 2020. 

Top 5 priorities for Garden Close redesign 

• Reduce amount of hardscape and soften hard surfaces 
• Re-imagine labyrinth component within Garden Close 
• Provide comfortable furniture to include both flexible and permanent seating and tables throughout the space 
• Incorporate shade to create a more comfortable and inviting space 
• Create multiple spaces for small (2 – 15) gatherings, while maintaining standing space for large (20 – 100) gatherings