On Jan. 23, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia broke ground on the Gateway to the Garden entrance project, with state legislators, UGA administrators, donors and garden staff in attendance. The project will relocate and expand the entranceway to accommodate the increased number of visitors and provide additional parking and trail access.
When the State Botanical Garden of Georgia was founded in 1968, its entrance was built to serve 50,000 visitors a year. This past year, more than 470,000 people explored its curated garden spaces and trails — nearly 10 times the original projection.
“The Gateway to the Garden project represents a tremendous milestone for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia as it continues to expand its offerings to visitors from across the state and beyond,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “The garden is a perfect representation of the significant impact the University of Georgia can have through its teaching, research and service missions, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to elevate this special place on campus.”
The relocated and enlarged entrance will better accommodate larger vehicles, such as school buses bringing more than 4,000 children annually to the garden for field trips. In addition, the project includes a new parking area, improved trail access and greater pedestrian infrastructure to improve visitors’ experiences at the botanical garden.
“We are thrilled to be breaking ground on the Gateway to the Garden project, which will provide necessary improvements to our entrance, providing greater accessibility for the thousands of visitors we welcome each year,” said Jenny Cruse-Sanders, the garden’s director. “We could not have reached this milestone without the support of many individuals, organizations and especially our board of advisors for helping us bring this project to fruition.”
Funding for the multiphase $5 million project has been raised from private support and a state appropriation of $2.35 million.
“The State Botanical Garden of Georgia plays an essential role in the university’s land-grant mission, serving as a living laboratory for research, conservation and hands-on learning,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This project will allow even more people to visit and learn in the garden, and it will bring more people to participate in programs and conservation activities that help to preserve natural resources across the state.”
The Gateway to the Garden entrance and parking expansion project will relocate the garden entrance further south on Milledge Avenue and feature wider access for buses. The project will also include new parking and improved trail access. (Photo by Wingate Downs)
Before the groundbreaking, donors were honored at the Giving Tree tribute, a ceremony the garden hosts to show appreciation to its most ardent supporters. Individuals and organizations recognized include Nancy and Glenn Black, Ed Grenvicz, Paula and Mark Hennessy, Sally and David Tyndall, Friends of the State Botanical Garden, Jimmy and Rosalind Jeter, Farolyn and Patrick Mobley, Tom Wight and Jim Miller.
State Rep. Houston Gaines and state Sen. Bill Cowsert and his wife, Amy, were also recognized for additional state funding that supported for the project.
“We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported the Gateway to the Garden project,” said Stacy Jones, vice president for public service and outreach. “As part of the university’s outreach division, the State Botanical Garden provides an environment for learning, inspiration and engagement through horticulture, conservation, science-based programs and lasting partnerships. The expansion of the entrance and additional parking will ensure that everyone who wants to experience the garden and its impactful programs will be able to do so.”
Local firm Koons Environmental Design is designing the project in partnership with the Office of University Architects, and Grahl Construction is overseeing construction.
Construction of the new entrance is expected to be completed in late 2026. Visitors to the garden should not be impacted by construction.
To contribute to the Gateway to the Garden project, visit https://tinyurl.com/4s8bvux5. For more information about the botanical garden, visit botgarden.uga.edu.
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