AIKEN --- Since the city acquired it 38 years ago, Hopelands Gardens has been a place of quiet repose and social celebration for the community.

From summer concerts to winter fetes, the gardens have carved out a place in the lives of Aiken residents.

And keeping such a venerable place in tip-top shape requires funds and long-range planning.

The Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch, a support organization that also acts in an advisory capacity to the city, is working on a 10-year plan for the gardens and the Rye Patch reception center. The group says that vision will be in line with the commitments the city made when it acquired the gardens in October 1970, after the death of Hope Iselin.

"The long-range plan is to help the city prioritize plans," said Joe Spencer, president of the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch. "I think of this park as a living being that needs constant attention."

The plan will help identify needed enhancements, changes and underutilized facilities.

The past decade has seen constant development at the gardens, including the building and dedication of a labyrinth; extensive exterior renovation of Rye Patch; a new pavilion; the birds and butterfly garden to be completed this winter; and the beginning of the interior renovation of Rye Patch.

"With continuing growth and activity here, it's important to have funds available," Mr. Spencer said. "The contributions people make go to support a whole host of activities." The long-range plan, which should be completed in March, will identify where those funds should be directed.

Mr. Spencer said the plan will look at enhancements and will force officials to look at the lack of parking at the gardens.

The process of drawing up the plan "helps you get the advantage of collective thinking," he said.

Reach Michelle Guffey at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or michelle.guffey@augustachronicle.com.