There’s a place of beauty and renewal tucked right into the fabric of the Penn State University Park campus. A place you have to take a time-out to really appreciate.
“From Park Avenue, you see the fountain out front and a couple of walls,” shows Marketing Coordinator, Kate Reeder. “You can’t tell the depth and the texture and the beauty here. It’s a real retreat.”
Within walking distance of 75,000 people, and in the midst of a rapidly urbanizing landscape, the Arboretum at Penn State preserves valuable green space.
“What we are doing is showing Central Pennsylvania’s landscape in a microcosm,” said Reeder.
This 370 acre nature refuge began as a dream on paper in 1999. The first tree, white oak, was dedicated in 2005.
A donation of $10 million from Charles H. “Skip” Smith in 2007 helped complete phase one.
The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, named in honor of Mr. Smith’s Father, was completed in Fall 2009 and the gardens were officially dedicated on April 25, 2010.
More than 100,000 visitors stroll the gardens containing more than 800 species arranged in several gardens and collections.
“This is a legacy that a number of people have decided they want to make,” said Reeder.
In July 2014, the Arboretum opened the Childhood’s Gate’s Children’s Garden. It includes a limestone cave, stone amphitheater for events, and an interactive kaleidoscope designed by sculptor Robert Anderson.
“A lot of times the child will look through the scope they want their parent to come over or grandparent to come over and look at it with them. I think it helps make memories for the family,” smiles Anderson.
Anderson’s newest installation is the first ever seasonal art exhibition at the Arboretum. “Sculptures in Steel” opened in Late May and will be here through October.
“A lot of people take more of an interest in art in a public space – which brings art to ore people because a lot of people don’t have art collections.”
When fully developed, the Arboretum will include nearly 30 acres of botanic gardens and more than 340 restored woodlands.
Reeder said make a point to visit this summer.
“I think it’s a nice way to spend a day and share it with your family – have time to reflect on it – enjoy the art. I think that people find poetry and serenity here.”
Join us for a stroll through this beautiful garden, Monday June 27