Alpharetta Arboretum opens at Wills Park

The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park, a living natural museum, was unveiled Sept. 27 with a guided tour of the 26 trees that comprise the arboretum.

The arboretum showcases the natural setting and beauty of many native tree species of the southeastern United States and provides an educational perspective on the wide choices of available trees suited for planting in our urban landscape.

Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the arboretum.

"The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park is a tremendous asset to our city and will provide hours of enjoyment and education, as well as opportunities for research, for visitors and residents alike," Letchas said.

The Mayor, along with members of the Alpharetta City Council, Boy Scout Troop 629, the Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., the City of Alpharetta Tree Commission and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau cut the ribbon to open the Alpharetta Arboretum.

David Cox, member of the Alpharetta Arboretum board of directors, said, "The Alpharetta Arboretum was not a one-person or two-person project, but rather a community effort."

A plaque beneath a Liberty Elm marks the beginning of the Alpharetta Arboretum trail.

Cory Fica of Boyscout Troop 629 worked on the arboretum to fulfill the requirements necessary to become an Eagle Scout.

"There's no question that without the help of many partners, this project would never have happened. I'd like to thank Home Depot, Lowes, Publix, Starbucks, Shane's Rib Shack, David Flannery, David Cox and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau for making the arboretum possible," Fica said.

The Alpharetta CVB published a complimentary brochure that guides people through the arboretum. The brochure is available at the downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center. The Alpharetta Arboretum is sponsored by the City of Alpharetta's Tree Commission, the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., a non-profit organization.
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