The Bill Gatton Foundation has committed $30 million to improve Lexington’s Arboretum, expanding the public garden’s capacity for education and community use.

The gift, announced October 29, supports a new education building, renovations to the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center and improvements to the Walk Across Kentucky native-plant collection.

Plans also include better parking and accessibility, a reconfigured entrance and connected landscapes with educational features.

The education building will provide classrooms and an immersive exhibit experience, while the renovated visitor center will support gatherings and programming.

The new building will honor Scott Smith, a former dean and longtime Arboretum advocate.

The announcement coincides with 40 years since the agreement establishing the university-city partnership behind the garden.

The improvements remain a future project: design is underway, with completion anticipated in the third quarter of 2028.

For residents who use the grounds to walk, learn or spend time outdoors, the commitment represents a significant investment in an established community space.