Input Sought for Development of Longview Arboretum

by Piney Woods Live Staff

• Tweet
• Email
• Print
• 0 Comments

"This is a very important time for the future of the arboretum as we map out short-term and long-term plans."

When Dencil Marsh died in 2011, many observers were concerned that losing its champion might also might bring the project to develop an aboretum in the city of Longview to an end. Those fears proved groundless, as the non-profit group in charge of planning has pressed forward with Dencil's idea for a public garden at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex.

Now the group hopes to take another major step forward with a public input meeting to discuss future development that will include representatives from the renowned Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

According to Director of Community Services Laura Hill, “It is an honor to have representatives from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center assisting with the development of the Longview Arboretum. This is a very important time for the future of the arboretum as we map out short-term and long-term plans for an arboretum that we know will be a wonderful asset for Longview.”

The Longview Arboretum is planned for development on a 28.62-acre city-owned site adjacent to the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex. During 2010, a council-appointed committee included the arboretum among several goals and projects in the Vision 2015 Strategic Planning Process. The initial dream for the arboretum was championed by Marsh, a long time Longview resident. The effort is currently led by a committee of volunteers from throughout the community chaired by Bob Metzler.

Tweet