SHANE Rattenbury says the National Arboretum has celebrated one million visitors in time for its second anniversary.
“There is no doubt the Arboretum has quickly developed into one of the major attractions in Canberra. It attracts about 40,000 visitors per month and has received visitors from all over the world such as the Republic of Macedonia, South Africa and Argentina,” Shane said.
“The Arboretum has also welcomed an abundance of school groups, with over 10,500 students touring the site in its first two years.
“The Village Centre and Margaret Whitlam Pavilion have proven to be popular function venues, catering to over 400 private, corporate and public events over the last two years.
“The Arboretum’s unique venues and outdoor spaces, most of which offer panoramic views of Canberra, are quickly gaining a reputation as a fantastic place for hire for a variety of functions and events. The Greater Western Sydney Giants, for example, have held their end of year function at the Arboretum for the last two years.
“We’ve also held functions for everything from weddings, engagements and christenings to corporate functions and school formals.
“Improvements continue to be made to the Arboretum after the upgrades to the carpark last year with design work being undertaken this year for improvements to the events terrace including a new lawn area, outdoor furniture and new toilets. Work is also taking place this year to install a new shade structure in the Pod Playground and there is sure to be more ceremonial plantings this year.
“In its first two years there have been tree plantings from high profile visitors to the ACT including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, various heads of state and Australian public figures. These have given the Arboretum – and Canberra more generally – significant international media exposure.
“I encourage people, particularly those who haven’t had a chance to visit yet, to go and take a look at the Arboretum. Despite it being the middle of summer, the recent rain has meant the Arboretum is looking fantastic at the moment,” Mr Rattenbury said.
[Photo by Rodtuk, attribution licence]
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