The Georgia Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Garden, located right off of South Milledge Avenue is a public park sponsored by the University of Georgia. This was part of a Public Health outreach program to improve green space and public parks in Athens along with increasing public awareness of plant and wildlife knowledge. The Gardens opened in 1968 and is now a 313 acre property. There are several themed gardens each with different architecture and plants. There is also a Chapel which is a place for reflection to people of all beliefs and is a place where many couples become married. The Botanical Gardens is a great public place that helps improves Athens' lacking green space.

As a runner the Botanical Gardens means a lot to me. My home town of Peachtree City has over 200 miles of golf cart paths that can be used for public access like running, cycling, or to use a golf cart to get around town. It is nice to escape from town because the paths run behind the roads and it kind of places you out in the woods with just a small path. Coming to Athens, the town was very different than my hometown, especially in size. Usually I just needed a break from the busier and larger life style associated with Athens. In the Botanical Gardens, I could get my escape from town like I did back in high school. I could just go out and run. It was just me and nature, something I have always enjoyed. Meeting other runners in Athens, they have seemed to have my same perspective of the Gardens. The idea that there there is a place to be isolated is a reassuring thought to many people.

Whether or not the Botanical Gardens is being used to enjoy the scenery, a place to get married, or a place to escape town, the Botanical Gardens a large amount of green open space to Athens. A city where there could be some more public parks.

Derrick Weeks
11/11/12


Derrick Weeks, Ashley Chanel, Paul Yediguri