Awbury Arboretum

Awbury Arboretum is a 55-acre historic private landscape located in the City of Philadelphia. For over 100 years, the Arboretum has been open to the public. On a daily basis, the formal gardens, stream, and open space areas are used for tours, environmental education and nature viewing. On-site community gardens and a farm co-op offer fresh vegetables to residents of the urban community and education programs for students of the adjacent Wissahickon Charter School.  The board of directors, however, recognized the need to further increase attendance and public awareness of the Arboretum to ensure its economic viability.

 

In 2015, CVDA was selected for the preparation of a wayfinding plan for the Arboretum. An entirely new system of ADA-compliant walkways, signage and parking was prepared, with a funding strategy for achieving improvements in less than three years.  Seven new gateways and a system of orientation and interpretive

signage will guide visitors throughout the property, with porous paving walkways and parking highlighting the Arboretum’s commitment to sustainability. Periodstyle signage, lighting and planting areas meet the spirit of the Arboretum’s two separate historic district designations and one conservation easement.