Glenwood Gardens was made possible in part by the generosity of the Benedict and Burchenal families. In 1963, Hamilton County Park District Commissioner Sam Benedict donated approximately 85 acres in Woodlawn to the Park District. This land was named Trillium Trails Wildflower Preserve for its bountiful trilliums. Mr. Benedict served as Park Commissioner for 22 years (1958-1980).

In 1993, Mrs. Mary Burchenal bequeathed to the Park District her residence, Cotswold, and approximately 11 acres of property surrounding the residence. Because of Mrs. Burchenal’s generosity, and with support of her family, the Park District acquired an additional 238 acres, allowing for the preservation of undisturbed greenspace between Trillium Trails and Winton Woods.

Glenwood Gardens opened to the public in July, 2001, offering both paved and gravel nature trails with views of the Mill Creek and restored wetlands and prairie.

Highfield Discovery Garden opened in July, 2004, along with the Cotswold Visitor Centre.