FAYETTEVILLE — It was about a week ago when representatives of the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission learnedthat the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks - one of those unique gems that will someday be among the city's crown jewels - is in the midst of some major financial heartache. Times are so tough, in fact, that the group needs $50,000 just to make it through winter.
How bad is it? The gardens have already let two employees go while a voluntary 15 percent pay cut fell on the shoulders of everyone else. As Bill Dollar, president of the organization's board, explained, "It's not dire straits, but it's nearing that." A lack of donations, of course, is the critical problem. In 2007, the botanical garden brought in $283,314 and $392,742 in 2008 - but only $195,528 so far this year.
To repeat the obvious: The garden is not without friends. Beyond patrons who have done their part to support its mission, the Walton Family Foundation has given the group a $250,000 grant to hire an executive director. Once that individual is in place (by Jan. 1, Dollar says) one would think the botanical garden's fundraising efforts would pick up. That's probably so. But with operating expenses at $8,500 a month, not counting salaries, things are getting bleak fast.
History suggests that Fayetteville city government has already invested too much in the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks to quit at this late date. For instance, in July 2004, the Fayetteville City Council unanimously approved spending $750,000 to develop the entry grounds, build infrastructure and create an impressive timber-framed building to serve as a workshop/horticulture center.
We believe that was money well spent. Besides being a fun place to go and an educational place for local students, the site draws thousands of visitors to the community. Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce President Steve Clark said about 20 percent are from someplace other than Arkansas. We can only imagine how much more entertaining and beautiful this space will become as the years pass, as the garden grows and as investment in this excellent vision continues.
Former Ward 4 Alderman Lioneld Jordan - now the mayor and a current A&P commissioner- was among those heaping praise on efforts to turn approximately 86 acres (close to Lake Fayetteville and Crossover Road on the city's north side) into something more. Commissioners Bob Davis and Robert Rhoads were also members of the City Council that made that early investment. All of them likely understand what's on the line if the botanical garden is left to struggle.
Frankly, we don't believe that's going to happen. Bottom line, too much cash has already been invested in the late Carl Totemeier's vision to let a tight economy ruin everything.
True, supporters of the botanical garden can't expect their pet project to live indefinitely via the generosity of city government. While taxpayers no doubt were well-served by helping the garden get off the ground, few would argue the government should become its chief support system.
It's worth stating that the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks - unlike the flow of water, sewers, police and fire - is not part of the city's core services. Everyone could go on without its presence.
But this community would be lesser for it. A botanical garden of any significance takes decades to reach even early maturity, and this one is still a relative infant. As was the case five years ago, any funding would be an investment in this community's future. If the A&P can help, it should continue to nurture the garden.
Opinion, Pages 4 on 09/22/2009