Reeves-Reed Arboretum Moves Closer to Accessibility Milestone with Support from Community Funders
Summit, NJ — Reeves-Reed Arboretum is proud to share significant progress on A Path for All, its transformative accessibility initiative designed to ensure that every visitor—regardless of mobility, visual, auditory, or neurodivergent challenges—can fully experience the beauty and serenity of the Arboretum’s gardens and grounds.
We’ve made meaningful progress on several key fronts, and we’re incredibly grateful for the generosity and commitment of so many in our Arboretum family who have helped us reach this point,” shared Jackie Kondel, Executive Director of Reeves-Reed Arboretum. “Thanks to the support of local foundations and organizations, the project continues to gain strong momentum.”
The Arboretum gratefully acknowledges the following community funders whose generous grants are helping bring A Path for All to life:
- The Summit Foundation – $45,000 (2024), $12,000 (2025)
- The Hyde and Watson Foundation – $25,000 in honor of Charles E. and Joy C. Pettinos
- The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation – $24,999
- J. Grassmann Trust – $15,000
- Barberry Foundation Inc. – $15,000
- Investors Foundation – $10,000
- Wallerstein Foundation – $10,000
- Citizens Philanthropic Foundation – $5,000
- Elks Club of Summit Lodge #1246 – $2,500
Construction is scheduled to begin in earnest at the end of August, with JR Prisco selected as the project contractor. Initial site preparation is already underway with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for September 4, 2025, to celebrate this milestone.
While A Path for All is approaching its fundraising goal, there is still an opportunity for community members to contribute and help bring this vision to full fruition. To learn more, and to make a gift or pledge, please visit reeves-reedarboretum.org.
This vital initiative reflects Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, as well as enhancing the overall visitor experience. Planned architectural improvements include:
- Completing a fully connected and ADA-compliant pathway loop
- Expanding accessible parking
- Creating a new outdoor patio and educational area for learning, gathering, and enjoying the natural surroundings
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum has been a cornerstone of Summit’s cultural landscape since 1974 and is celebrating its 51st year as a public arboretum. Listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, the Arboretum is open to the public seven days a week, serving as a sanctuary for visitors and wildlife alike. To learn more or support the Arboretum, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org.
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum has been a cornerstone of Summit’s cultural landscape since 1974 and is currently celebrating its 50th year as a public arboretum. Listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, it is open to the public 7 days a week and serves as a sanctuary for both visitors and wildlife. More information is available at www.reeves-reed arboretum.org.
About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.com.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places and has been educating and inspiring community through nature for fifty years.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum…a place to grow, for everyone!