Peony Gate
A new, welcoming entrance transforms what was once the Waveny House service area. This ADA-accessible walkway connects through the Peony Walk to Eberle Fountain and beyond.
Project Background
The accessway to Waveny House from the eastern parking lots used to take visitors through an unsightly service area as they approached the House and gardens. Visitors were forced to circumvent two dumpsters and bypass the service area container before entering the Peony Walk.
Project Details
The Conservancy commissioned local landscape designer Kathryn Herman to design an attractive entrance that hid the dumpsters, and afford a new entrance worthy of Olmsted himself.
Her plan, illustrated here, was initially meant to be implemented in 2021. Unfortunately, with spiraling prices due to Covid-induced supply chain issues, The Conservancy delayed the project until Spring 2023, when a degree of normality returned to the market.
Work commenced shortly thereafter and was completed in October 2023. Two contemporary oak benches were added to the patio, made locally from wood retrieved from the large oak that stood above Anderson Pond.
Combined, these three projects have transformed the area and we are extremely grateful to all our supporters and the Town for their hard work and support.