TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS offers outdoor respite By Beverly Medlyn
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ucson Botanical Gardens is back this fall, offering visitors a safe experience of the lush outdoor space filled with plants, trees and flowers interspersed with dynamic pieces of sculpture. COVID-19 restrictions shuttered the gardens from March 16 until partial reopening July 9. The café and butterfly exhibits are still closed, but visitors can experience the beautiful exhibits and gardens seven days a week. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the new addition of evening hours 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Though the spring-summer closure was devastating from a financial viewpoint, it offered an opportunity to make necessary infrastructure improvements, says Michelle Conklin, executive director.
“I think some of the things we have been forced to do are in the best interest of our garden going forward,” she says. “For example, we have been talking for years about buying this ticketing software. It is a big financial investment. COVID forced us to do it, and it’s the best thing we ever did! Our online classes on subjects ranging from container gardening to watercolor painting also will be with us forever.” The ticketing software allows visitors to buy tickets online for timed entry, which controls occupancy. A new admission building was constructed with brick pathways directing visitors to one path in and another path out. Masks and social distancing are required. Staff health is monitored. Cleaning is continuous. Inside spaces and galleries are closed. The gift shop limits entry to eight shoppers.
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