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 Source:
Penn State Office of Physical Plant The Arboretum's botanic gardens will
eventually create a horticultural showcase on this tract
of land. |
The Mitchell Tract Master Plan is a blueprint for the future
development of approximately 58 acres of botanic gardens. The
time line for this development will depend upon funding opportunities
and priorities. M•T•R, the architects of the master
plan, recommended that priority be given to making the Arboretum
a fully functioning institution in the first phases, including
construction of utility infrastructure, basic amenities, and facilities
that will support quality educational programs. This strategy
also requires that the University build gardens with broad community
appeal to attract visitors and thereby help the Arboretum generate
program income. Especially important will be the creation of event
spaces.
Phase I of the H. O. Smith Botanic Garden
In May 2007, the Arboretum was very fortunate to receive $10
million from Charles H. Smith, a 1948 Penn State alumnus, to begin
building the Arboretum. Combined with approximately $3.2 from
the University, this lead gift will enable us to build the first
phase of the H. O. Smith Botanic Gardens, named in honor of Mr.
Smith's late father.
The elements included in Phase I are the Conservatory Terrace
Garden, Event Lawn, Overlook Pavilion, and initial plantings in
the Rose and Fragrance Garden and the Butterfly and Hummingbird
Gardens in the Demonstration Gardens.
According to the project schedule, Phase I of the botanic gardens
will open to the public in 2009.
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