The construction of the Georgeson Botanical Garden aims to improve accessibility, layout | Local News

The five-acre garden, established in 1989, is located on the Fairbanks Experimental 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-term 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 paved the way for a cascade of donor-supported projects.

The long-range plan inspired input from longtime supporter Design Alaska. The company has created a conceptual design plan to further develop the pedestrian corridor component into the overall long-range plan.

The project went from concept to reality when Becky and Marv Hassebroek donated all the funding for the construction plans and installation of the new pedestrian corridor. It was a spectacular contribution to the community of Fairbanks and to all visitors to the garden.

“We hope our investment will lead to increased garden revenue through increased visitation, public and private donations, and community functions,” the Hassebroeks said. “We have seen this happen before! Please join us – this is just the beginning of a wonderful future for the garden.

To carry out this project, the Rasmuson Foundation has donated funds to install an essential service road that will increase the safety of all visitors. The path will be parallel to the pedestrian corridor but higher on the hillside. It will accommodate large service vehicles that frequently need to access the confines of the garden throughout the summer months. The service track will probably be installed in the spring of 2023.

“The safety of visitors and staff in the garden is of paramount importance, and the Rasmuson Foundation is pleased to be part of the solution,” said Deborah Vo, program manager at the foundation.

The Georgeson Botanical Garden welcomes more than 10,000 visitors – local, national and international – each year and serves as the gateway to the UAF. The garden is supported largely by donations and the fundraising efforts of GBG Friends.

Caption: 2022Georgeson3.jpg & Construction plan Georgeson 2022

Photo by Katie DiCristina

Workers are constructing a new pedestrian corridor at the Georgeson Botanical Garden, which will improve accessibility, unify the garden’s linear structure and add interpretive nodes.