GIFT TO ARKANSAS’ BOTANICAL GARDEN WILL HELP FUND AMPHITHEATHER

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - A $200,000 grant recently awarded to Garvan Woodland Gardens, a department of the University of Arkansas School of Architecture, will assist in the construction of a woodland amphitheater at Arkansas’ Botanical Garden.

The grant is being funded by the Economic Development of Arkansas Fund Commission, said Allan Magee, director of Garvan Woodland Gardens.

"The grant will be instrumental in the continued growth of this world-class botanical garden," said Jeff Shannon, interim dean of the School of Architecture. "Once complete, the amphitheater will be used for lectures, meetings and leisure opportunities and serve as an excellent backdrop for garden visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area."

The amphitheater will be constructed beneath a canopy of native trees in the scenic woodland gardens and used for educational purposes, civic activities, ceremonies and celebrations. It will seat 600 and have additional informal seating for 1,500.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre tract on Lake Hamilton donated to the School of Architecture Department of Landscape Architecture by Verna C. Garvan in 1985. It is being developed by world-renowned specialists in botanical gardens, architecture and landscape architecture and is expected to attract an estimated 200,000 visitors annually. The garden is scheduled to open to the public this fall.