The former Georgia Golf Hall of Fame's botanical gardens are gaining new popularity as a free city park.
"We don't have exact numbers, but we've been averaging around 300 people per week," said Tom Beck, director of Augusta's Recreation & Parks Department, which reopened the site this year. "So far, it's been good."
The eight acres of gardens and fountains closed last July after state funding was cut, leaving its lush landscaping to wither and die from neglect and lack of water.
Although its limited budget only allows it to be open four days a week, visitation is gradually climbing, Mr. Beck said.
"We took it over with a basic budget we were given to get it back up and operational," he said. "Opening two days during the week -- and on weekends -- gives folks several opportunities to enjoy it."
Current hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is free.
Park manager Derrell Bennett said the limited resources won't allow the botanical gardens to be completely restored to their former beauty, but there is definite progress.
Part of that progress, he said, can be attributed to help from volunteers and businesses.
A Girl Scout troop, for example, is adopting one of the pocket gardens; and businessman Chris McCormick of Paradise Water Features is helping maintain some of the fountains and ponds.
"He had a seminar out here two weeks ago on how to build water features, and it was free to the public," Mr. Bennett said. "We had over 40 people attend."
Lately, interest seems to be growing.
"We had two weddings here over the weekend -- one on Friday and another one Saturday," he said. "We also have a lot of people who have never been here before who are just curious and want to come in and look around."
Mr. Bennett hopes the area will get more interest from community groups.
"Our budget is not very large compared to what it used to be, so we greatly appreciate any help we get," he said. "We would love it if some of the garden clubs or other groups showed some interest."
Anyone interested in helping with the gardens can contact Mr. Bennett at (706) 513-2572.
Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119 or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
AUGUSTA BOTANICAL GARDENS
WHERE: 1 11th Street
HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
TO VOLUNTEER: Contact Darrell Bennett at dbennet@augusta.gov or (706) 513-2572.
Comments
Opening Tuesday and Thursday from 10a to 5p pretty much insures working people can't access the park except on weekends. Why the limited hours? Does the park need a warden when it's open? I think having volunteers take over much of the maintenance is a great way to turn it into a city park, but it'll take a while for the city to realize it isn't still a gathering place for the elites.
Kudos to Tom Beck and his staff on a great job!
Having an additional (low-cost) place for a wedding seems like the complete opposite from a place for the elite to gather. I'm just glad that the park is open 4 days a week instead of being a beautiful brick wall that is riddled with graffiti!
I visited the park on several occasions four years ago when it was open every day and there were many "older" adults there just enjoying the flowers & birds etc. I have been told that some kids take field trips there. Better during the week when it is NOT as crowded as on week-ends. By the way Pat, there was a young lady taking her lunch break & reading she said she loves being able to get outside the office for an hour several days a week. There are MANY other people besides working people who can enjoy the park. Don't be so negative, enjoy God's world.
Great job richmond county. The new park at apple valley is nice also.
True the hours are limited now, BUT you have to walk before you can run patricia! Obviously the goal is to have open hours every day of the week, but funding that right off the bat would obviously be a fiscal mistake! This is certainly a step in the right direction.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
Back 
