For years, the East Gate was a “pretty rough way of getting to The New York Botanical Garden,” as the institution’s president Gregory Long put it. Now, with the swift snip of a yellow ribbon, the entrance was officially reopened for garden-goers on April 27, intended to increase foot traffic into the garden after a lengthy renovation.

The East Gate is one of three entryways to the garden, though it wasn’t it most popular. The gate is found at a geographically obscure section of Allerton, at the corner of Waring Avenue and Bronx Park East. Getting to the gate involves walking a meandering path and past an unwelcoming overpass. Signs heading to the gate are still not there, though NYBG officials told the Norwood News they’re working on it.

The brief ceremony capped ten years of collaboration between federal, state and city governments. For those largely involved in the gate’s renovations, some jokingly said they’ve been working on the opening “all their lives.”

Seeking Funds 
According to Long, finding financial support was arduous, slowing down renovations. The project eventually received a combined $3.3 million in private and public dollars, including $2.2 million from the city, $600,000 from the state and $485,000 from the federal government. These funds have helped create the restored entrance, a Green Materials Recycling Center, a composting bathroom and a sloping, winding pathway that leads to the abundant green oasis below.

“We call it the ‘Green Zone,’” said Long. “It was an engineering challenge, and also a design challenge. We certainly had a vision. We knew we needed it.”

Long notes the area has a deep ravine, which made construction of a wheel chair accessible path difficult. Creating a composting bathroom seemed to be one of the few options for that section of garden since there is no sewage system in place there.

The reopening of East Gate will make the Botanical Gardens more accessible to the public.  The two other entryways include the Mosholu Gate near Botanical Square and Conservatory Gate by Fordham.

The gate will be open during regular daytime hours with free grounds admissions on Wednesdays and Saturday between 9 and 10 a.m.