A major construction project at the Georgeson Botanical Garden is updating the main pedestrian corridor to improve accessibility, strengthening the linear nature of the garden, and visually unifying it. Nodes will improve navigation, interpretation, and resting spaces.
The five-acre garden, established in 1989, is located on the Fairbanks Experiment Farm on the west side of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Troth Yeddha’ campus.
The seed for the pedestrian upgrade was planted in 2018 with the creation of the garden’s long-range plan. Members of the American Society of Landscape Architects-Alaska Chapter donated their time and expertise to work with stakeholders, garden managers, and the Georgeson Botanical Garden Friends group to develop an updated vision for the garden. It set the stage for a cascade of donor-supported projects. The long-range plan inspired a contribution from Design Alaska, a longtime supporter.
Concept to reality
The company created a design concept plan to further develop the pedestrian corridor component in the overall long-range plan.
The project leaped from concept to reality when Becky and Marv Hassebroek donated all the funding for construction plans and installation of the new pedestrian corridor. This was a spectacular contribution to the Fairbanks community and all visitors to the garden.
“It is our hope that our investment will lead to increased revenue for the garden through expanded visitation, public and private donations, and community functions,” the Hassebroeks said. “We have already seen this happen!
University of Alaska Fairbanks
To complete this project, the Rasmuson Foundation donated funds to install a critical service pathway that will increase safety for all visitors. “The safety of visitors and staff in the garden is of paramount importance, and Rasmuson Foundation is happy to be part of the solution,” said Deborah Vo, program officer at the foundation.
For more information:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
www.uaf.edu