Reeves-Reed Arboretum Launches “A Path for All”
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is proud to announce, A Path for All, a significant initiative to provide complete physical and experiential immersion for all Arboretum visitors. Architectural plans include completing a continuous pathway loop around the gardens, creating a new outdoor patio and educational space, and expanding accessible parking. The design orients visitors to a primary point of entry adjacent to parking, to experience the full beauty of the Arboretum.
A Path for All will have minimal environmental impact while maximizing educational and immersive opportunities. Completion of the pathway loop will provide complete access to the historic section of the Arboretum’s gardens and accessible navigation for all visitors including those who are in a wheelchair, with a stroller, or simply need some additional guidance or assistance navigating the grounds.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s A Path for All project received unanimous support from Summit’s Common Council and Planning Board in November 2024 and the Arboretum announced a $1 million philanthropic campaign to fund the initiative in December 2024 at its Festival of Trees holiday celebration.
A Path for All will directly
Once completed, A Path for All will have a significant positive impact on visitors and families with
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is partnering with landscape architect, J. Kest & Company, and general contractor J.R. Prisco, Inc. to accomplish the project. Groundbreaking is forecast for early September 2025 with significant progress made by January 2026. Final plantings and landscaping will occur in the Spring of 2026, followed by a ribbon cutting and public dedication.
“This initiative has been a priority of the Arboretum for a number of years, with planning and fundraising happening more intensely over the last year. We are thrilled that we will begin the actual construction in just a few months and look forward to welcoming everyone to experience the Arboretum in a new way after its completion. Our horticulture staff is intimately involved in this process as there are many considerations to protect and preserve the Arboretum during and after this process. A Path for All extends Mrs. Reeves’s tradition each spring of sharing her private garden with the public to enjoy her glorious flowering daffodils, trees, and shrubs. We are grateful to all who have contributed to bring us to this point but seek the support of everyone in the community to help us reach our $1 million goal,” shared Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s Executive Director Jackie Kondel.
To learn additional details about the project including landscape plans and ways to support this initiative, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org and click on the Path For All icon at the top right of the website homepage.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum looks forward to sharing the details about this exciting path forward for the Arboretum and the community!
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum has been a cornerstone of Summit’s cultural landscape since 1974 and is celebrating its 51st year as a non-profit public arboretum. Listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, it is open to the public 7 days a week and serves as a sanctuary for both visitors and wildlife. More information is available at reeves-reedarboretum.org
