It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Busch Gardens that our lush landscapes are of high importance to us. Our dedication (some might say obsession) to our landscaping is part of what distinguishes us from the bevvy of other theme parks and we wear our designation as the world’s most beautiful theme park (for 25 years straight, no less) as a badge of pride.
As you enter the park for the first time this season, you may notice some of those landscapes look a little different. Allow us to explain. Over the winter months, some of our greenery was pruned back and in some cases, removed entirely, to comply with an agreement regarding a petroleum pipeline which runs underneath the park. The agreement, which has existed for as long as the park has, requires that the area above the pipeline be visible by air. If you’re local to the Williamsburg area, you might remember similar efforts took place on Route 199 just over a year ago.
Naturally, we’re sad to see years of growth go, but it had to be done. There is light through the leaves: our landscaping and park teams have been hard at work so as to minimize the appearance of the clearing.
Hundreds of plants, all which mature to a height of 4’ or less, have been planted back in the clearing areas. These smaller plants, like spirea, abelia, forsythia, boxwoods, azaleas, junipers and hollies, will add to the park’s natural beauty without obstructing the pipeline. These efforts are still early, but we hope that as they take root they will fit right in at the world’s most beautiful theme park.
-Busch Gardens