Friends of the Arboretum July Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about our ongoing commitment to making the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens a welcoming place for all.

Over the past few years, the FOTA Advisory Board has been dedicated to an initiative called “Nature Encounter for All.” This project aims to enhance the experience of our visitors, particularly those with physical and/or mental challenges, by creating an inclusive environment. Working with esteemed community groups such as The Whole Person, we envisioned an accessible trail within the Legacy Woodland Garden featuring exhibits focused on the environment.

We are now focusing on a series of smaller, yet significant, projects that can be implemented immediately to enhance accessibility for all visitors. Our commitment to the concept of Nature Encounter for All” remains strong, and we believe this approach will be more impactful.

This is where you come in! We are forming a dedicated group to help identify and prioritize accessibility improvements throughout the Arboretum and Gardens. We invite you to join us in this important endeavor. By working together with the Arboretum Staff and the FOTA Board, our members can ensure that we address the needs and concerns of our community.

Get Involved

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in identifying and prioritizing accessibility needs, we would love for you to join us. Please complete our inquiry form to be part of this important engagement opportunity. Our plan is to convene a meeting of this group in the next month or two. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to your involvement.

In addition, don’t forget about all the activities scheduled at the Arboretum in the coming weeks. A full schedule of all classes can be found online here.

Have a great summer!

Mike Hopson,

Co-Chair of the FOTA Advisory Board