The State Botanical Garden at UGA provided a sneak peek of the new Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden Thursday afternoon. Members of the media toured the two-and-a-half-acre facility more than three months before the site will be open to the public.
Jenny Cruse-Sanders is director of the facility.
“We are nearing the end of it so we’re watching pieces come together today, there’s fencing going in and ponds being filled,’ Cruse Sanders said. I just think it’s going to be a space that people will be filled with wonder and excitement.”
Paid for entirely with donor funds, the garden will include several unique features for children of all ages. It also includes educational opportunities.
“This is an incredible resource for the state of Georgia, for our community. It helps us reach our mission as a land grant, sea grant university. It’s free of admission so anyone can come, parking is free, the bus comes to the garden.”
Cruse Sanders says the garden will have a local feel.
“Our budget and our design has allowed for incorporation of art from local artists. When people come to this garden, they’re going to have a sense that they’re in Athens, Georgia, they’re going to have a sense that they’re at the University of Georgia.”
Construction is expected to be completed sometime in February, so visitors will be able to preview the garden then, it will be dedicated on March 18th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The facility will host a community celebration on March 23rd.
