Maureen Heffernan’s legacy at Myriad Botanical Gardens

Many modern influential figures have played a significant role in shaping Oklahoma City into what it is today and Maureen Heffernan, former CEO of Myriad Botanical Gardens, is no exception.

Arriving in Oklahoma City nearly 13 years ago from Maine, Maureen boasted an extensive background in public garden management across the northern United States. Before her recruitment to Oklahoma City’s Myriad Botanical Gardens, Heffernan worked at the New York Botanical Gardens, the American Horticultural Society, Cleveland Botanical Gardens and at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden.

In 2011, Oklahoma City was experiencing much growth, change and betterment, Heffernan said. The momentum of the city is what drew Heffernan in, and she decided ‘why not?’

Heffernan had never thought of moving to the Midwest, or living in Oklahoma specifically, but when she was recruited by Larry Nichols and Jim Tolbert, she was “really impressed with them and their vision for what the Myriad Gardens could be after the big investment of TIF (tax increment finance) funds.”

Heffernan said downtown Oklahoma City was nothing like it is today in the years she first arrived. There were not as many shops, restaurants or places to live, buildings were run down and unappealing to the eye and there was never any bustle in the downtown area. However, Myriad Botanical Gardens drastically changed the scenery.

“It was kind of a risk,” Heffernan said. “But I’m so glad I did because I’ve loved the people here, the projects I’ve been able to do with the gardens and taking on Scissortail Park. That’s a once in a career opportunity to help plan, manage and open a big, new facility like that. All the things we’ve done to redo the crystal bridge and new programming we started, it’s just been an incredible opportunity here, and I just loved it.”

Over the years, Heffernan assisted in the improvement of Myriad Botanical Gardens – adding a variety of new gardens to the site, opening the ice rink, bringing in a donated Carousel, renovating the visitor lobby and Crystal Bridge Conservatory and so much more. With Heffernan on board, the gardens began heavily including programming to the calendar, with anything from festivals to exercise classes taking place on site.

“We have a pretty full calendar, and that’s helped bring a lot more people downtown, too, as a result. It all builds on each other,” Heffernan said. “The better the city gets, the more programming you can do because the more people that are there, you can add other things. It’s a really good upward spiral.”

Heffernan emphasized the importance of keeping the gardens beautiful for the city. Due to this, Myriad Botanical Gardens has been featured in Top 10 lists for urban parks or gardens, features in articles and media coverage – the most important highlight being the achievement of an international award for best urban green space in 2015.

“Myriad has really become more known throughout the country,” Heffernan said. “Its profile has been raised a lot over the last 10 years.”

With success also comes challenges, and Heffernan explained one of the toughest challenges is recruitment. Heffernan said, “That’s something that we’re always trying to do is find and keep really talented people and people who really have the passion for the work that we do.” She emphasized that without the right people, the right results will not be produced.

When looking toward the future, Heffernan acknowledged that there will be many upgrades she will not be present for but is confident will be accomplished. The playground on site needs to be upgraded, thankfully due to frequent visits from kids and families. A renovation to the lower level of the Crystal Bridge Conservatory can also be expected in hopes for additional space for educational purposes and rentals. Union Station is currently the Myriad’s most important project, which will start around the end of the year, or in early 2025.

Looking back on her time in Oklahoma City, Heffernan shared that it has been an educational experience, in which she was able to learn and understand the planning aspects of the city. “Oklahoma is a big city, and yet it’s also a city where you can make a lot of connections easily. You can really make a difference. I always tell people this size city is such a great place to get experience because one person can make a real difference.”

Due to a move out-of-state, Heffernan will be officially leaving Oklahoma, but she plans to stay invested and up to date on all things Myriad Botanical Gardens and Oklahoma City. Although officially retired, Heffernan will continue to be involved in gardening.

“I’m really proud of myself that I took a risk. You don’t know anything, but your like, ‘Wow, this a really unique opportunity.’ I’ve never lived in this part of the country, and I found it a fascinating place to live. I think it paid off a huge return on investment because I loved every minute of it, and I love the people.

“When you live around two coasts, you don’t understand that there’s so much worth discovering in a state like Oklahoma,” Heffernan said. “Oklahoma is a state rich in natural beauty, and I enjoyed discovering this part of the country. And I’ve treasured being a part of the momentum to help the city develop.”