The price of a walk in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, as well as annual memberships will likely be going up, following action by the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District last week.
Admission at the Botanical Gardens is proposed to jump from $10 to $14 and a regular household membership from $60 to $75, with effective date (as well as final approval) by the board of directors, with a vote set for next week. Executive Director Ry Southard said the changes were needed to meet the level of service the world-class facility provides.
Southard told the district that “an administrative and gardening position had not been filled, no real major equipment has been purchased, we”ve delayed tech upgrades, wages have been frozen and there have been employee benefit reductions.”
“We are trying to do our part to keep costs down but this is in line with other garden admissions,” Southard said.
This is the time to learn to live within the fees charged, not hope for angel givers who get harder to find all the time, Southard said.
“This is our 50th anniversary, a great time to capture some increased fee income…moving away from need and dependency on individual donations. I think that model will be far more sustainable,” said Southard.
The last fee increases granted by the MCRPD was four years ago. Board member Jason Hurst asked if the Gardens” would need to increase fees again soon?
“Are you confident these increases are going to be sustainable,” Hurst asked.
“I think it would be fixed for at least five years,” Southard answered. He said there were “major price barriers” that stopped other high quality gardens from charging more than $15.
“You can”t pay golf for $15, but that somehow doesn”t equate,” Southard said.
Southard laid out plans that have been under way under his tenure to make the gardens more financially viable. More parking, more commercial growing space and a bigger store are on the list. Parking places have already been increased in number, making a big difference at packed-house events like WineSong.
Southard provided a slideshow and video that showed MCRPD and the crowd of about 25 people a vision for a more accessible, profitable facility.
“MCBG is completing its 10 year master plan. The planning process was conducted with board, staff and volunteers. The plan calls for a new propagation facility, expanded parking and infrastructure improvements, visitor center and exhibit space, an event center and caf?. The visitor center, caf?, store and nursery will be open to the public,” Southard said.
