By Ralph Derickson

University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd, Jr., Mrs. Dorotha Oatts, and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Mayor Pam Miller cut a vine entwined ribbon to dedicate the new Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center at the UK/LFUCG Arboretum on Alumni Drive near Tates Creek Road.

"Buildings like this help add a personality to an institution such as UK. It is a real sweet spot."

-- Lee T. Todd Jr.,
president,
University of Kentucky

photo by Ralph Derickson

Sept. 30, 2002 (Lexington, Ky.) -- The new Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center was dedicated today at the University of Kentucky/Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Arboretum on Alumni Drive near Tates Creek Road.

The center is named for UK alumnus Dorotha Smith Oatts who made a $200,000 challenge gift toward the 3,200-square-foot building's construction. It contains offices for the arboretum staff, a large meeting room and restrooms for arboretum visitors.

The building was designed by Pearson-Bend Architects of Lexington and was built by Lox Consulting and Construction Inc.

Lexington Mayor Pam Miller and UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. spoke during the dedication ceremony.

Todd said the developments at the arboretum including the new building are "proof of the fruits of true town/gown cooperation." The president added that, "Buildings like this help add a personality to an institution such as UK. It is a real sweet spot."

About 100 acres near UK's Commonwealth Stadium were officially set aside in 1986 for the arboretum. In March 2000, the Kentucky General Assembly designated the area the "Official State Botanical Garden for the Commonwealth of Kentucky."

The arboretum is open from dawn to dusk and features a children's garden, an old stand of walnut trees and a "Walk Around Kentucky" that includes trees from every region of the state.

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