Undoubtedly the finest park in the Dominican Republic, the Botanical Gardens of
Santo Domingo can also claim to be one of the better botanical gardens in the
world. This week the park, whose immaculate grounds are an inspiration to
Dominicans and foreign visitors of all ages, is celebrating its 27th
anniversary. Botanist Milciades Mej?a, one of the country?s leading ecologists,
highlights the parks various functions as scientific research center, center for
reproduction and conservation of Dominican flora, and source of entertainment
and education. A few things have changed since the park?s opening in August 1976
by the late President Joaqu?n Balaguer. President Mej?a invites those who are
acquainted with the park to pay a visit to the newly designed areas, such as
that for the ferns, desert and mountain areas, the 2.7-tarea lagoon, and the new
rocky picnic area, among other attractions.