Arboretum

The Arboretum grounds are OPEN DAILY FROM 6AM-10PM

Dogs are permitted on leashes | Pet waste stations are place throughout the grounds for your convenience

WEEKEND PARKING AVAILABLE AT WOODWAY CITY HALL DURING PRIVATE EVENTS

Weekday parking available at the Pavilion parking lot located at 1 Pavilion Way. Additional parking can be found at Woodway City Hall located at 922 Estates Drive.

The Carleen Bright Arboretum extends over 16 acres that are home to lovely botanical gardens. Included is The Pavilion Event Center at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, a private event rental space with floor to ceiling accordion windows that sits overlooking the beautiful grounds. The original white chapel located at the entrance, is the Whitehall Center. It welcomes and entertains local residence and guests as they discover all that Woodway offers. The Carleen Bright Arboretum, known as the “Jewel of Woodway” boasts a certified Monarch Way-station, botanical gardens, fountains, meditation garden, the Todd Willis Nature Trail that winds through native woodlands suitable for all explorers and much more. The Carleen Bright Arboretum is the perfect setting for weddings, picnics, and adventure. Come enjoy one of the many city hosted events here at the property!

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Grounds

Massey Meditation Grove

The Massey Meditation Grove is dedicated in memory of Rondal and Mildred Massey, who were both lifelong residents of Waco. Dedicated by their children, they hope “people will come here and unplug from their devices and reconnect with their own thoughts, perhaps with a higher power, with their aspirations, and that they’ll have a truly spiritual communion with nature right here in The Carleen Bright Arboretum.” The grove features Mexican maple trees, pecan trees, and live oaks.

Hike & Bike Trails

The Todd Willis Nature Trail winds through native woodlands, suitable for explorers, young and old alike. Visitors can enjoy a short walk to the teahouse, where they can enjoy gorgeous views of the active creek below, from the comfort of a wooden gazebo compliments of a Woodway Boy Scout.

Gardens

The Carleen Bright Arboretum is home to two demonstration gardens, an award winning cactus garden, an impressive herb garden and gorgeous roses. Additionally, the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M provides plants and programming and monitors a test plot the property, developing research for the common Rose Rosetta Disease that has plagued the area.

Whitehall Center

The Whitehall Center is a replica of the first church that serviced the Woodway Area. It is nestled between lovely, maintained gardens and accented by beautiful patio area where the community can gather. Stop by and pick up a map of Woodway!

Monarch Butterly Waystation

The Carleen Bright Arboretum is a certified waystation for monarch butterflies, providing milkweeds, nectar sources, and shelter needed to sustain monarch butterflies as they migrate through North America. All of this serves to create, conserve, and protect the habitat for monarch butterflies. Come check out the butterflies!