About
A seed of an idea
Growing into a vibrant space for –
community, nature, and creativity
With strong connections to local volunteers and a passion for “Doing Cool Stuff,” Project 412’s creative mindset helps cross-pollinate art, landscape, and community engagement throughout the project.
What began as a seed of an idea is now growing into a vibrant space for community, nature, and creativity.
Our story began with a simple dream — To inspire creativity, connection, and curiosity through an immersive landscape that blends interactive sculpture, vibrant gardens, and diverse plant collections. We aim to cultivate a dynamic environment where art, nature, and community thrive together – encouraging exploration, education, and reflection for all visitors.
This is our mission, and it includes you. This is “our” Ortenstone.
Why Ortenstone is special
- The creation of Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park was a gift to the city of Detroit Lakes from the Mark and Cindy Fritz Foundation.
- The property is named in honor of Cathy Fritz, an avid gardener and the mother of Mark Fritz, whose maiden name is Ortenstone.
- The Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park property is open and under development through a partnership between the City of Detroit Lakes and Project 412.
- The lease agreement between the Mark and Cindy Fritz Foundation and the city of Detroit Lakes states the intent is for the city to utilize the property for community recreation, walking trails, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, bicycle trail riding, community and public art displays, and as a nature park and garden for area residents and visitors. No hunting or firearms will be permitted at Ortenstone Gardens. Read the entire story.
Dreams for the Future of – Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park
Look forward to this at Ortenstone
- Walking trails leading to sculptures (like “Togetherness”), traveling art exhibits (Charley Harper’s Colors & Shapes), and other delights
- Three original Greek mythology “sprite” sculptures by Hans Gilsdorf, which will represent the three biomes existing in Detroit Lakes.
- More than 100,000 plantings of native grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees, planned by horticulturalist and master gardener Steph Leininger, within the landscape designed by professional landscape architect Bryan Leininger.
- Opportunities to get involved with the plantings at Ortenstone this summer and fall
Special gratitude
- Project 412 Foundational Sponsors
- Project 412 Wave Makers
- Project 412 Carpenters & Volunteers
- DL Hotel Group
- Herzog Roofing
- T-J’s Tree Service
Grow with Us – Support Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park
Support this project!
When you donate to support Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park, your gift is processed through Project 412, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and placed directly into an account dedicated to this initiative. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Have a green thumb? Love to garden and be outdoors?
We are building teams of volunteers to water, cultivate, and care for the plants growing at Ortenstone.
Together, we’re cultivating something beautiful!
