Children's Adventure Garden Supported by Ross Foundation Gift

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Children and families across the state of Arkansas will benefit greatly from a generous $104,750 gift from the Ross Foundation to Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, which is part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas. The resulting Evans Children’s Adventure Garden, named for Bob and Sunny Evans of Hot Springs, longtime supporters of the gardens, will aim to provide educational services that are of particular interest to children.

“A lot of families with small children visit or live in Hot Springs, and they don’t always come to Garvan Woodland Gardens,” said Bob Byers, garden director. “This gift allows us to present an aspect of our beautiful grounds that will appeal to kids, which enables parents to get them here. The adventure garden will also be an attraction for school groups that are looking for a different avenue for skill building in our area.”

The Ross Foundation, located in Arkadelphia, was looking for an opportunity to educate the public about all the things that are provided to a society through resources that exist in woodland areas.

“The Ross Foundation’s trustees were really pleased to be able to participate in this project because it combines two of the Ross Foundation’s major areas of focus — forest ecology and education,” said Mary Elizabeth Eldridge, program manager for the Ross Foundation. “We have been so impressed with every project that has taken place at Garvan Gardens, and we are especially excited about the Children’s Adventure Garden. We can’t wait to see its completion.”

The first phase of the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden is scheduled to be open for visitors on June 18.  That section of the garden is composed of a cave, numerous water features and stone mazes. Work on the remainder of the garden will include tree houses, planted mazes and additional educational displays. This phase is projected to take three to four years for planning and construction.

Students and faculty at the University of Arkansas have an opportunity to design and work in Garvan Woodland Gardens, the School of Architecture’s “living laboratory.” Located near Hot Springs National Park, this 210-acre woodland habitat botanical garden is overseen by the school and the department of landscape architecture. An internship program offers opportunities for summer study and employment.