In 2026, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site secured NPS project funding to restore the Rose Garden and Gravesite at the park.
Over the years, grass has encroached on the walkways, eroding a wider, accessible path. Other features of the garden, including the ground slope and modern improvements, require attention and replacement.
The goals of the project include restoring the site to the crisp, level character of Sara Delano Roosevelt’s garden and replacing some NPS era features like the post-and-chain fence and non-historic utilities. A new and improved irrigation system will also be installed along with fresh sod. Drainage and site grading will be improved while invasive and weed species will be addressed. Public access will be improved with the widening of pathways, making them ADA compliant.
Prior to the construction, a full archaeological investigation of the site was conducted and identified the buried foundations from outbuildings and a greenhouse dating to the time James Roosevelt first purchased the property. The irrigation and drainage design was modified to avoid these resources, and protective measures are in place during construction to further protect underground resources.
The presidential graves, the marble monument, the pet graves, and the sundial will not be impacted by this project. In these sensitive areas, only hand work to replace sod will occur. The grave site and viewing platform should remain available for public access during the duration of the project, with only occasional and temporary disruption. The park currently expects the construction work to be completed by late summer.
Please note: While restoration is in progress, access to the garden is very limited.
