By Paula Scott

Driving by on State Route 235, the new Liberty Oaks venue for weddings and other events somewhat resembles the business formerly at this location, New Leaf Garden Center. Upon closer inspection, you can see that only the greenhouse is still there. The rest of the facility has been built from scratch as a much larger space for hosting events with catering and bar service, as well as outdoor weddings.

The Icon and other interested individuals visited Liberty Oaks on November 19, when owners Corey and Amanda Henson celebrated its grand opening and were welcomed to the business community with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce.

Those who stopped by were treated to a sunlit view of the greenhouse filled with gleaming white chairs, displaying how the space can be set up for a wedding with 150 guests. Through a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, which can be raised with the flip of a switch, was a view of the courtyard, which can accommodate a wedding ceremony with 300 guests. The main hall provides 3,000 feet of space for receptions, parties and other events.

For the open house, the Hensons provided an opportunity to sample foods prepared by Slow Smokin BBQ and Catering, an independent vendor that provides catering at the venue. Representatives from Spencer’s Sugar Shop, Divine Arrangements, Younique Decor and the Inn at ONU were also on hand to provide information.

How did the transformation of the former New Leaf come to pass? Corey is the son of Laurie Laird, who retired and closed her Ada garden center in late 2021. He purchased the 28-acre property and began the process of creating a new family-owned business.

The facility hosted its first event in October 2023. Additional information about Liberty Oaks, which is located at 0395 State Route 235, Ada, can be found at www.thelibertyoaks.com/