New Arboretum Parking Lot
(The area shaded in orange is the layout for the new parking area.)
"We are hoping to begin construction in February on a new parking lot - completely paved, larger (space for 42 cars and 3 busses), easy in-and-out access, handicap accessible to the Office/Visitors Center, and landscaped to compliment the Arboretum. Our site plan has been presented to the City of Oak Ridge for approval, and we are awaiting the green light. How we are going to construct a parking lot on top of the old site and accommodate visitors at the same time has not been quite worked out yet.
Partial funding for the parking lot comes from the same source as the funds for trail improvements - the Tennessee Department of Conservation, Recreational Trails Program. The parking lot is essential to visitor's use and enjoyment of the whole Arboretum and, since the trail system is a major feature of the Arboretum, improvements to parking is necessary for the public's convenient access to the trails. A feature associated with the parking lot, if funds permit, will be a visitor's restroom facility. Restrooms have high maintenance costs and are dependent on the public's respect for this convenience.
From the new parking lot, visitors will be able to access the greater part of the Arboretum's plant collection via a paved handicapable trail that will parallel the Valley Road and end in the Heath Cove. This feature will further improve access to the Arboretum for not only those with a handicap, but for those who might have difficulty walking and for parents with baby strollers.
Please, be patient with us during the construction phases."
Richard Evans, Arboretum Director
New Arboretum Trail Ranger Program
The Arboretum is unveiling an initiative to organize an "Arboretum Trail Ranger" Corp. UT Arboretum Trail Rangers are volunteers who assist the Arboretum in the maintenance and imrpovements of the Arboretum Trails. Trail Rangers will receive training in proper trail construction, maintenance techniques, and will learn about the unique features along each trail. They will also make trail signs and markers, and be available to answer visitor's general questions concerning the Arboretum and its trails.
Watch this site for sign-up details and training schedules.
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