Groundbreaking For New Center
to Highlight Fullerton Arboretum’s
25th Anniversary
October 12, 2004 :: No. 55
Model of new Fullerton Arboretum complex |
Among the flora and fauna of the Fullerton
Arboretum is the quickly developing foundation for a new visitors
center. With large simple roof forms and gabled structures
reminiscent of the packing houses that were at the heart of Orange
County’s agrarian history, the three-building, 11,000 square-foot
complex will comprise a visitor center, conference center and museum
— all surrounding a large courtyard. Additionally, each element
of the facility, designed by Dougherty and Dougherty Architects,
will include examples in how to be resource and energy efficient.
The official groundbreaking ceremony for the $2.7
million facility is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, as
part of the Fullerton Arboretum’s monthlong 25th anniversary
celebration. Among the event’s speakers will be: Milton A.
Gordon, president of Cal State Fullerton; Mike Clesceri, mayor of
Fullerton; Jerry Young of the Fullerton Arboretum Commission; and
James Kilponen, president of the Friends of the Fullerton Arboretum.
Scheduled to open its doors in August 2005, the new
center will enhance the 26-acre preserve’s educational mission
and support community functions, as well as further an understanding
of our environment, according to Greg Dyment, director of the Fullerton
Arboretum.
“We’re very happy to see this project
moving forward, and look forward to occupying this building and
serving the university and the community of north Orange County,”
says Dyment.
Guests will enter the arboretum through the visitors
center, where a gift shop and plant sales area will be housed. The
conference center will host seminars, classes, banquets and events
for up to 350 attendees.
Serving as the focal point of the project will be
a museum that will feature Orange
County’s agricultural and Nikkei heritage —
spotlighting the rich agricultural legacy of Orange County and the
Japanese-American community’s contributions to that chronicle.
The Friends of the Fullerton Arboretum have scheduled
several events during the 25th anniversary commemoration, including
the Fall Planting Festival - GreenScene II Oct. 16 and 17, Music
and Art in the Garden Community Celebration Oct. 24 and, in keeping
with the spirit of Halloween, the Haunted Garden Oct. 29 and 30.
Media Contacts: |
Gail Matsunaga, Public Affairs,
657-278-4851 or gmatsunaga@fullerton.edu
Lore McKenna, Friends of the Fullerton Arboretum,
657-278-4792 or lmckenna@fullerton.edu |
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