New Areas at Arboretum Children’s Garden

The Kentucky Children’s Garden at the UK Arboretum plans to open three new areas this year, adding a Transportation Garden, Environmental Stewardship Circle and Compass Rose to this popular outdoor learning environment designed for children 2-10 years old.

The Transportation Garden will feature a miniature railroad where children can learn how plants and plant products are brought to market.

The Environmental Stewardship Circle will include a small amphitheater and demonstration area where children can experiment with and observe the effects of erosion and learn about water quality issues.

The Compass Rose is built into concrete where children can learn directions and observe the passage of time.

Completion of the additions is expected in the fall.

These additions follow the recently added log cabin area, a new entry sun gate and a mosaic map of Kentucky.

“This has been a great year for Kentucky Children’s Garden,” said Marcia Farris, Executive Director of the Arboretum.

“We have had good attendance, people are pleased and the kids are having a great time. The comments have been overwhelmingly positive.”

The Children’s Garden sits on 1.85 acres of the Arboretum and opened May 2011.

The grounds include child-scaled theme gardens, which are planted and maintained by children and promote experiential, interactive play.

In its interconnecting paths, the Garden offers interactive educational exhibits, special programs twice a day throughout the summer, birthday parties and field trips.

The Children’s Garden is open in the spring through the early fall. Summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Admission is $3 for ages 2 and up. Children under 2 are free. Household memberships are $50 annually.

Info: www2.ca.uky.edu/arboretum/Childrens_Garden.php or call 257-6955.