Project Background
Welcome to the Hayes Arboretum Master Planning page. This plan will:
- Evaluate the arboretum's existing facilities and amenities
- Identify the arboretum's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
- Develop site-specific goals to enhance the experience of the arboretum's users and guests
- Provide recommendations for future site and programming improvements, and
- Develop a priority and action plan to help advance the arboretum's vision into the future
We encourage you to review the website to learn more about the project and provide your input on the proposed design.
Visit the Existing Conditions page to learn about the amenities and programs currently available at the arboretum.
Visit the Public Input page to:
- Take the SURVEY to tell us your thoughts about the arboretum.
- Complete the MAP EXERCISE to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current arboretum campus.
- Provide additional thoughts, ideas, and feedback on the proposed improvements through the SOCIAL FORUM.
We value your feedback and hope you take the time to offer input on what you want to see at the arboretum.
Please use the Contact Us tab located to the right of this page to submit a question or provide additional feedback.
The Master Plan Timeline
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Project Kick-off
Spring 2025
During the Spring of 2025, Hayes Arboretum issued a Request for Qualifications to lead the master planning process. Eleven well-known regional design firms responded to the call for qualifications. The arboretum's Core and Leadership Teams reviewed the applications and created a shortlist of the three most qualified firms. The three shortlisted firms were invited to submit proposals for the master plan and to interview with the Core Team.
After a selection process, the Indianapolis-based landscape architecture and urban planning design firm Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA) was selected to lead the master planning process. REA's extensive 45-year portfolio in the development of public parks, trails, and nature-based landscapes will help lead and facilitate the planning process.
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Timeline item 2 - active
Phase 1: Discovery
March thru May
The discovery phase includes inventorying the arboretum’s existing trails, facilities, programs, and staffing needs. The design team will review existing reports and documents as well as obtain feedback from users of the arboretum’s trails and programs. The information gathered during this phase will help inform the design decisions established in Phase 2.
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Timeline item 3 - incomplete
Phase 2: Visioning
May thru June
The design consultant will review and synthesize the information gathered during the Discovery phase. The design team will work closely with the Core Team of stakeholders to develop preliminary design concepts for the arboretum.
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Timeline item 4 - incomplete
Phase 3: Synthesis
June thru August
During this phase, the design consultant will work to modify and refine the preliminary designs concepts prepared during the Visioning Phase. The design team will work closely with the Core and Leadership Teams to develop a preferred master plan concept.
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Timeline item 5 - incomplete
Phase 4: Master Plan Report
August thru October
The final Action phase focuses on implementation strategies and drafting the Master Plan report. The plan will be reviewed by the community and stakeholders, refined based on feedback, and prepared for adoption.
The final deliverable will be provided in October 2025.
