HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Garvan Woodland Gardens, the University of Arkansas’ botanical garden in Hot Springs, announces the resignation of project director Allan Magee.

In 1997, Magee and his staff at the Entrepreneurial Services Center of the UA Cooperative Extension Service began a collaborative project with the department of landscape architecture at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville to implement the gardens' master plan.

Over the next three years, Magee and the gardens' development team successfully raised over $3 million through state grant funds and a legislative appropriation for initial improvements. In 2000, due to the rapid growth in facilities and programs resulting from that funding, the University decided to reorganize the gardens as an independent division of the School of Architecture and named Magee as its first director.

Since that time, Magee has worked with state agencies, legislators and private donors to raise an additional $3 million and has built an annual membership of over 3,000 to support operations. During his tenure, full-time gardens' staff has grown from four to more than twenty.

"I have enjoyed working with the community, the University and supporters throughout the state to develop a world-class attraction for Arkansas," said Magee. "A lot of people, including the gardens’ board, staff and members, have contributed to creating a facility that promises to become both a leading tourism destination and a major cultural asset for our state."

Magee thanked the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council, the Arkansas Legislature, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the local legislative delegation and the gardens' advisory board for their support during the most critical growth period. Weyerhaeuser, Entergy, Southwestern Bell, Diamondhead Development and Deltic Timber are among a number of corporate sponsors whose support also resulted in major improvements in facilities and programs. During the last two years, grants and donations from private foundations and individuals have also become a significant part of the gardens’ funding support.

"The gardens have tremendous potential and I look forward to great things in the future," said Magee. "I hope that the incredible support I have received from the community and from all over Arkansas for our efforts will be offered to whoever the University appoints to replace me."

Dean Jeff Shannon of the School of Architecture thanked Magee for his leadership in initial phases of the gardens' development.

"I don't believe anyone else could have done as fine a job as Allan in getting the gardens operational," said Shannon. "The University of Arkansas and especially the School of Architecture will always be grateful for the major contribution he has made to the cultural and natural resources of the state."

David Davies, former director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, has been named interim director. The School of Architecture anticipates a national search for an executive director in the near future.

"We will be looking for someone who can provide creative leadership that we have become accustomed to at the gardens," said Shannon.