A day after Cullen Gardens was to close, the Town of Whitby announced that it has purchased approximately 85.5 acres of the property, including the main building and restaurant, Lynde House museum, and trails and bridges in the valley lands.

The miniature village portion, however, and the seasonal gardens displays of Cullen Gardens will remain closed. The name Cullen Gardens will still be used.

"While the Cullen Gardens operation is a loss to the community, I am very pleased that the extensive property holdings will transfer into public ownership, and the facilities will be reprogrammed to be enjoyed by our residents today and into the future," Whitby Mayor Marcel Brunelle said.

The exact amount the Town paid for Cullen Gardens will be disclosed at a later date, but there will be no taxpayer impact as a result of the purchase, the mayor said. Capital set aside to expand the Whitby Municipal Building was diverted to complete the deal, which will be finalized over the next three months.

"Although it's sad that Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village will no longer be a business in Whitby... we've really appreciated the support of people not only in Whitby but Durham Region," owner Sue Cullen-Green said. "We are so pleased that the mayor and council has seen fit to purchase the properties of Cullen Gardens... that means that they will live on."

The plan for the Town to purchase Cullen Gardens had quietly been in the works for approximately two months, Mayor Brunelle said, adding that the Town had received numerous phone calls and petitions from residents asking them to save it. The gardens will be used as a park and open space, while the buildings will be used for community centre programming and children's camp programs. The restaurant and banquet hall may be used for corporate functions, weddings and other special events.

"This is something that's really near and dear to this community's heart... so I think it's very fitting that we've purchased the land for our residents," the mayor said.

Len Cullen, who created Cullen Gardens and opened the site in May 1980, was also present for the announcement.

"There is good news/bad news, but mostly good news that the Town of Whitby is going to be able to preserve so much that's at Cullen Gardens -- all the beautiful trees that are there, the 250 different species of wild flowers, the beautiful valley lands and landscape. This is wonderful news for me," Mr. Cullen said.

"The bad news, of course, is that I will miss it. This has been my home, my hobby and my dream for so many years, so I'm a little sad but I think it's a happy ending. I want to thank you for this -- saving, actually saving -- Cullen Gardens."

The purchase only includes lands east of Cochrane Street, excluding the golf driving range and the miniature village models.