Laurelwood Arboretum

Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne, NJ, is a 30-acre botanically diverse property featuring two ponds and woodland trails. Call your friend and family to visit this amazing destination at 725 Pines Lake Dr W, Wayne, NJ 07470.  The property was once a commercial nursery, but was donated to the township in the 1960s by John and Dorothy Knippenberg. It is now a public park. While it typically draws visitors to see plants, the park is also a place for birdwatchers, artists, and nature lovers.

For the past three years, artist and curator Scott Broadfoot has worked on a sculpture trail at the arboretum. Broadfoot is the owner of Broadfoot & Broadfoot, LLC, a fine art gallery in Boonton, New Jersey. He curated the trail and selected 14 pieces of art to be placed on the grounds. Broadfoot also gives guided tours.

The path will feature sculptures from around the country, as well as local artists. Visitors will be able to learn about the artists and the inspiration behind the works. Some of the sculptures will be available for purchase. A percentage of the sales will be donated to the Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum. All of the sculptures will be placed in a way that enhances the natural landscape. In addition, the public will be able to listen to a recorded tour by scanning a QR code.

Broadfoot was approached by Laurelwood Arboretum trustee Stuart Reiser to help develop the trail. Since then, the sculpture trail has grown to include more than 15 works. The Sculpture Trail is a multi-year project and is being sponsored by the Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum.

Currently, there are 14 sculptures on the trail. Three of these sculptures are works by local artists, while the remaining nine are by international artists. These sculptures are all sold through an exclusive agreement with Broadfoot & Broadfoot, LLC. Broadfoot said he chose the locations and set the sculptures in such a way that the backdrop and lighting would complement the piece.

As a sculptor himself, Broadfoot says the environment is an essential part of the process. For example, Punch and Punch Line were experiments. They are made of aluminum and have the same outer dimensions. Broadfoot wanted to make sure the sculptures he placed at the arboretum were suitable to the location.

Recently, the arboretum sold a piece of art to a private collector. The money will be used to help pay for the final sculpture on the trail. To purchase the sculptures, the public can visit Broadfoot’s gallery in Boonton or make a donation to the arboretum. Learn more

There are two ponds at the arboretum, as well as two streams. This is a great place for a quick walk or a casual picnic. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and a blanket. You can also get more information about the sculptures on the arboretum’s website.

Laurelwood Arboretum is a free park that provides educational opportunities for the community. It has been awarded Level II Accreditation from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. It is open to the public, but alcohol is not permitted. Click here