The North Carolina Botanical Garden announced Thursday it would be removing the current arbor walkway within Coker Arboretum on the UNC campus in November for renovations. The 300-foot walkway, covered by native vines climbing on wooden trellises, was last renovated in 1997.

According to the Botanical Garden, the arbor has started to sink into the ground. The renovations will also improve the accessibility of the arbor, as one end of the walkway features solely a flight of stairs.

The Botanical Garden and UNC Facilities Planning will work together on the renovation, “so that it is safe, accessible, and able to be enjoyed by students and community members for years to come,” the Garden said in a release.

The new, renovated walkway will feature a sloping grade parallel to Cameron Avenue. The stone gathering circle will remain in place. Currently, the Botanical Garden is working with various design teams to finalize the plan for the future arbor.

“We know it’s important the structure maintain its rustic character and the play of light and shadow in the space,” the Garden said.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden is also in the process of renovating the nearby Forest Theatre on the UNC campus. No end date has been announced for either project.

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