A Path For All
Our vision to expand access to our historic gardens is now a reality with the completion of the Arboretum loop and pathways designed to be navigable for everyone.
This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to openness, accessibility, and inclusivity — a legacy that began with Mrs. Reeves’s tradition of welcoming the public each spring to enjoy her glorious flowering daffodils, trees, and shrubs.
Charting Our Path Forward
“A Path for All” Construction is Complete — Our New Accessible Pathway is Now Open!
We are excited to share that, after considerable planning, preparation, and months of construction, A Path for All officially opened to the public on Friday, May 15, 2026.
This transformative accessibility initiative was designed to ensure visitors of all abilities can experience the beauty, serenity, and educational offerings of Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s historic public garden. With this milestone, we are proud to take an important step toward a more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive Arboretum — continuing the legacy begun a century ago by Mrs. Reeves, who first shared her private garden with the public each spring.
While this opening marks significant progress, we recognize there is still more work ahead. A Path for All represents both a meaningful achievement and an ongoing commitment to expanding accessibility throughout the Arboretum in the years to come.
What Was Completed
The architectural and construction plans for this phase of the project included:
- Completion of a continuous ADA-accessible pathway loop connecting major garden areas
- Improved grading and surfacing for safer, smoother navigation
- Creation of a new outdoor patio and educational gathering space
- Additional seating and resting areas
These improvements enhance mobility and the overall visitor experience while thoughtfully preserving the natural and historic character of the Arboretum.
A Community Effort
To bring this vision to life, Reeves-Reed Arboretum launched a capital campaign to raise $1 million. Through the extraordinary generosity of individuals, families, foundations, and corporate partners, we successfully reached our goal.
We are deeply grateful to all who made this possible. Your support has created lasting, meaningful improvements that will benefit thousands of visitors each year.
Looking Ahead
While construction is complete, our work is not finished. Future priorities include accessible entry gate improvements, wayfinding signage, an additional accessible restroom, outdoor furnishings, and continued stewardship of the pathways and gardens to ensure all visitors can enjoy the Arboretum for years to come.
We invite you to learn more about our plans, progress, and opportunities to support the continued development of A Path for All. To make a gift, please visit “Ways to Support” below.
Questions? Please contact Executive Director Jackie Kondel at j.kondel@reeves-reedarboretum.org.
Project Partners
Landscape Architect: J. Kest & Co., Madison, NJ
Project Builder: J.R. Prisco, Inc., Stirling, NJ
