Newnan Arboretum Planning Underway
In the heart of Newnan, Georgia, a transformative effort is underway to establish a community-centered arboretum, a living landscape that will enrich the city’s cultural and ecological fabric. WLA Studio is leading the planning process for this new community asset.
For Newnan, the proposed arboretum on roughly 30 acres of city-owned land represents an opportunity to: strengthen green infrastructure and biodiversity; provide accessible outdoor learning and recreational space; enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike; and support civic identity through stewardship of natural resources.
In 2025, the Newnan City Council approved a contract with WLA Studio for arboretum planning services—acknowledging the firm’s unique combination of landscape planning experience and arboretum-specific expertise.
At its core, WLA Studio’s planning approach emphasizes:
Comprehensive community engagement: Gathering input from residents, stakeholders, and local partners ensures the arboretum plan reflects community values and needs.
Conceptual design grounded in landscape stewardship: Thoughtful placement of features, paths, and plant communities that respect ecological patterns and public use.
Strengthened grant competitiveness: The planning work supports Newnan’s efforts to apply for significant outdoor stewardship grants, providing refined design and community input elements that bolster funding applications.
While the planning process is still unfolding, WLA Studio’s engagement sets the stage for:
Design concepts that guide future collaboration with funding partners, volunteers, and municipal authorities.
Expanded opportunities for educational programming, ecological conservation, and outdoor recreation.
A phased implementation strategy that can adapt as support grows and community aspirations evolve.
By anchoring the arboretum plan in thoughtful design and strong community voice, WLA Studio is helping Newnan move from aspiration to actionable strategy—ensuring this green space will be a source of inspiration for generations to come.