Prominent signage, visual cues, and thoughtfully designed displays seamlessly guide visitors from the parking lot through ticketing and into a welcoming plaza where they can orient themselves before exploring the gardens. This reimagined entry experience celebrates the Arboretum as a treasured public resource, honoring its historic mid-century design while enhancing its role as a gateway to nature.
The 1956 Gate House Building, formerly the gift shop, has been meticulously restored to its original open-air configuration and now serves as the Ticketing Pavilion. Integrated color tiles – the palette inspired by the Arboretum’s iconic peacocks – provide directional cues, guiding visitors through a central entry point.
The Dining Terrace offers a welcoming space for visitors to gather, relax, and plan their day while enjoying views of the gardens and the historic Bauer Fountain. Ample and diverse seating options are thoughtfully integrated into the design, accommodating a variety of activities—from casual rest stops to larger events like summer concerts and holiday light shows. The plantings around the terrace are carefully selected to address low water requirements, offering inspiration to casual gardeners. This flexible space enhances the visitor experience, supporting a seamless and enjoyable visit year-round.
To support stormwater management, the parking lot features four large cisterns with a combined 36,000-gallon water storage capacity. Water runoff from the plaza and parking areas is filtered through a modular wetland, contributing to the recharge of the local aquifer.
