Arboretum Master Plan and Fountain Garden

The Pennsylvania State University selected Didier Design Studio to lead the comprehensive master‑plan and redesign of the University Park Arboretum and its Fountain Garden. The award follows a competitive RFP process that included a proposal submission deadline (Aug 4 2025), short‑list notification (Aug 25 2025), and in‑person interviews (Sep 22 2025). The appointed firm will develop a master plan for the arboretum’s south‑of‑rail‑trail lands, create a new conceptual and schematic design for a high‑visibility fountain garden, and provide phasing, cost‑control, and operational‑efficiency strategies. The contract is a design‑services engagement; no construction funding is included, though the fountain garden construction budget is cited at approximately $1.9 million. • Scope: Master‑plan for ~200 acres of the arboretum, design of a new $1.9 M fountain garden, circulation, lighting, horticulture, storm‑water, and operations infrastructure. • Procurement: Full and open competition (RFP → short‑list → interview) culminating in appointment of Didier Design Studio on Dec 8 2025. • Key Contacts: University Planner Neil Sullivan ([email protected], (814) 863‑3158). No vendor contact details were disclosed. • Timeline: Proposal due Aug 4 2025, short‑list Aug 25 2025, interview Sep 22 2025, award Dec 8 2025. • Estimated contract value: Approximately $600 k in professional services, based on typical 5‑10 % design‑fee rates for a $1.9 M construction component plus master‑plan services.