Reeves-Reed Arboretum Breaks Ground on Landmark Accessibility Project “A Path for All”
SUMMIT, NJ — September 5, 2025 — Reeves-Reed Arboretum has officially broken ground on “A Path for All,” a transformative initiative that will create a fully accessible pathway loop through its historic gardens for all visitors. The ceremony, held Thursday, September 4, brought together donors, trustees, staff, community leaders, and friends to celebrate the official launch of the long-anticipated construction.
“This project reflects years of dedication from our board, staff, and community,” said Jackie Kondel, Executive Director of Reeves-Reed Arboretum. “Thanks to the philanthropic support and generosity of our donors – individuals, foundations, and corporations, including a generous bequest of Pamela Hauptfleish, we are ensuring everyone—regardless of age or ability—can enjoy the gardens for generations to come.”
Designed by landscape architect J. Kest & Company, the pathway will provide seamless access to every corner of the Arboretum, including the historic garden sections. Visitors will be oriented through a primary entry point near expanded accessible parking and welcomed with a new outdoor patio and educational space. J.R. Prisco, Inc., serving as general contractor, anticipates significant progress by January 2026, with final plantings in spring followed by a ribbon-cutting and public dedication. The Arboretum and all programming will remain open during construction.
Once complete, “A Path for All” will:
- Provide safe and welcoming access for families with strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility challenges
- Encourage intergenerational visits, bridging accessibility gaps from toddlers to seniors
- Continue the Arboretum’s legacy of opening its gardens each spring, just as Mrs. Reeves once did for neighbors and friends
“Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a true gem in our community,” said Mayor Elizabeth Fagan. “This initiative will allow more families to experience the gardens together, and the City of Summit is proud to support it. Projects like this strengthen the fabric of our community—creating spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all. We are deeply grateful to the Arboretum and its supporters for their vision and commitment to ensuring future generations can enjoy this treasure.”
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!