Celebrating the Scenic Loop

July 18, 2013 by Dr. G Leave a comment

Not even the hottest day of the year could stop a toast to Tyler’s new Scenic Loop! This paved pathway begins at the pond and gently loops through the Wister Rhododendron Collection, then to the Pinetum, the Giant Sequoia and the Stopford Family Meadow Maze before returning to the pond. What I find exciting about the Scenic Loop is that now some of the most beautiful parts of Tyler are accessible to those that would not have been able to move along the gravel and dirt pathways.

A special dedication was held to thank the generous donors that made the new Scenic Loop possible: Bill & Judy Strine, Jerry & Lucille Francesco, Ross Myers (from Allan A. Myers, Inc.), and Matt Houtmann (from G.D. Houtman & Son Inc.). A toast to celebrate the opening was given by Guy Messick, President of Tyler Arboretum’s Board of Trustees.

This is a celebration of community – a celebration of those who contribute to this great organization that find the nature in the arboretum and the resources that we have are something worth preserving for generations to come. So let me just briefly say thank you for all of your support. You are in this room because you are believers and supporters of Tyler…

After the toast, we headed down to the beginning of the Scenic Loop for the final stage of the dedication – the ribbon cutting. After the ribbon was cut, the Scenic Loop was ready for visitors!

The official ribbon cutting to kick off the Member’s Ride, Roll and Stroll event!

The first member on the newly-dedicated Scenic Loop – and the first scooter to ride the Loop!

Even bicycles were welcomed today on the Scenic Loop. Board member Jim Flandreau was the first one to go for a spin and complete the Loop by bicycle.

The ability to “ride” and “roll” on the Scenic Loop was a special event – bicycles, scooters and rollerblades are not allowed on the Loop every day. But Tyler’s Executive Director Rick Colbert confirmed for me that the Arboretum will be opening up the Loop again in the future for riding and rolling. I will have to think about what wheels to bring with me for the next time – looking forward to it!