CHAPEL HILL, NC –UNC Facilities Planning and Design and the North Carolina Botanical Garden are partnering to rebuild the arbor at Coker Arboretum.
Last replaced 25 years ago, the arbor has started to sink into the ground, and its black locust timbres have begun to deteriorate. Its walkway, which ends in a flight of stairs, has also sparked accessibility concerns.
The renovation plan includes turning the walkway into a sloping path and removing the stairs at the end. This will mean greater accessibility, as well as greater visibility for community members using the arbor.
The plan also includes pushing the arbor further away from the street and installing larger entry points, addressing complaints of pedestrian and vehicle collisions around the entrances.
The renovation process began with the removal of the vines and the arbor, which occurred from October through December last year. Construction of the walkway and new arbor is scheduled for this fall.
In the meantime, community members can use the existing walkway that has been opened for the spring and summer.