Construction begins for new visitor plaza at the L.A. County Arboretum

In a groundbreaking held on November 4, local officials marked the start of work on a $10-million project which will add a new front door to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia.

The $10-million Visitor Plaza project - designed by a team that includes EPT Design, Dunbar Architecture and Hunt Design - expands upon the existing the arboretum's existing arrival space, adding new ADA-accessible ramps, a dedicated pathway with built-in benches, and new pedestrian lighting. Likewise, plans call for rain gardens and other stormwater capture infrastructure.

The existing Ticketing Pavilion, designed with the mid-century modern architecture seen throughout the property, is being reconfigured to create an open-air breezeway, with the arboretum's gift shop relocating to the former membership office adjacent to the main arrival plaza.

Plans also call for new planted spaces and garden areas, accompanied by a visitor information kiosk, updating signage, and new dining areas.

Fundraising for the project has been led by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, in first capital campaign for the property in 40 years.

“The Arboretum is a partnership venture between the Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation," said L.A. County Parks and Recreation Director Norma García-González at the groundbreaking ceremony. "The new Visitor Plaza will be a gateway for visitors from across L.A. County to enjoy the magnificent 127 acres."

Completion of the Visitor Plaza is scheduled to occur in 2023, coinciding with the Arboretum's 75th anniversary.

The Arboretum, located at 301 N. Baldwin Avenue, sees roughly 700,000 visitors each year.