A Ribbon Cutting was recently held to commemorate the new Pedestrian Entrance to Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park. Mayor Steven Reed, the MBG Board of Directors, and several partners of MBG participated in the exciting event. A newly installed arch marks the entrance and prominently displays the Montgomery Botanical Gardens name, enhancing visibility for visitors. The purpose of the new entrance was two-fold, to display the MBG sign and to create a safer, more accessible entrance to the gardens for all.
Maggie Stringer, Tom McLemore, and Henry Lucas – MBG Board Members who are Master Gardeners and CCMGA members.
In conjunction with the entrance project, surrounding neighborhood enhancements were completed, including the planting of 14 new maple trees along Park Lane leading to the new MBG entrance; the addition of ADA-accessible sidewalks, and the installation of new bike lanes that lead directly to the gardens. A partnership with River Region Trails and assistance from the city made it possible to revise the curbs for the pedestrian crossings at the three-way stop at the intersection for Forest Avenue and Park Lane. The historic hex pavers, uneven but full of charm, were carefully removed and preserved by the city for future use by the gardens. Several have already been incorporated into the new pathway leading to the entrance. The sidewalk along Forest Avenue is now smooth, safe and accessible.
Maggie Stringer talking with John Quinlivan, CEO Jackson Hospital.
Mr. Greg Godwin of the Chamber of Commerce, opened the ceremony by addressing the gathering to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone who contributed to making both the gardens and this new entrance a reality. He emphasized that the pedestrian entrance represents a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the gardens, which continue to evolve and grow.
Nehemiah Austin, talented musician from Valiant Cross Academy who provided music for the event.
Mayor Reed addressed the large gathering and highlighted the significant benefits the Botanical Gardens bring to the city and the River Region. He noted that the gardens offer a place to experience the beauty and peace of nature; provide educational and recreational opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Cathy Maddox, President of the MBG Board of Directors, followed by acknowledging the many supporting partnerships that are essential to the development and ongoing maintenance of the gardens. She emphasized the gardens’ importance as a regional asset and expressed her deep appreciation for the Capital City Master Gardener volunteers, who are vital to the gardens’ continued success. Cathy also recognized the generous donation from Mr. Lee Moore for the 25 Japanese Maples that were planted last year, and thanked Jud Blount for financial contributions to the gardens from the Katherine Archibald Blount Fund.
Ashley Thorne, Executive Director of River Region Trails, Inc., the organization that partnered with the City of Montgomery and The Wellness Coalition to deliver the surrounding community enhancements, spoke about the importance of supporting the places and neighborhoods along the regional trail network.
Councilor Marche Johnson, a strong supporter of the gardens, spoke of the beauty and educational benefits of the gardens and stressed that it is for everyone to enjoy. She encouraged everyone to visit often and support efforts to positively impact the health, recreation and education and the quality of life for our community.
Mr. John Quinlivan, new CEO of Jackson Hospital, described his expectation that the meaningful partnership between the hospital and the gardens will continue and expand to benefit, staff, patients, and visitors. With the new pedestrian entrance, opportunities for education, respite, peace, and quiet reflection are now even more accessible from the hospital.
Ghandi Daniels of the Wellness Coalition spoke in support of River Region Trails and the Montgomery Botanical Gardens and their contribution to the quality of life for our city. She spoke in support of creating safer, more inclusive streets and improving access to public parks as part of their ongoing public health initiatives.
The new pedestrian entrance was designed by Mrs. Fairlie Rinehart, the Landscape Arcitect for the gardens and she coordinated the project. The stone columns that frame the new sign were built by Mr. Joe Hall, of Appalachian Stone, a third-generation stonemason whose grandfather crafted the stone exterior of the adjacent Gayle Planetarium giving the new entrance a sense of timeless continuity. Jack Jackson and Darrel Heisler of Jackson Landscaping laid the hexagonal pavers in cement to create the surface of the new entrance, installed the irrigation line, and laid the turf on the open areas of the curb. Ethel Boykin, founder and board member of MBG, designed and coordinated the fabrication of the arch and MBG sign by Cole Turner of Turner Metal Fabrications.
Mrs. Maddox also expressed her appreciation to Mr. Brandon Dean, Director of Parks and Recreation, for his support and guidance with the growth and operations of the gardens and for the ongoing assistance from his staff that support the gardens in many essential ways.
Attendees were invited to stay for refreshments, pick up a MBG brochure and map and take a stroll through the gardens. Guests were especially encouraged to return in the spring, when the 1,500 daffodil bulbs that were donated by the Montgomery Clean City Commission and recently planted throughout the gardens will burst into a brilliant display of yellow blooms. Mrs. Maddox also encouraged everyone to join and become a supporting member of MBG.
