April 7, 1999
Survey will explore reaction to proposed botanical garden
By Garret Leiva
Herald staff writer
Seeking public reaction to a proposed botanical garden on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons, a 40-member steering committee will conduct a five-county survey to ask regional residents just how will their garden to grow - if at all.
Still in the concept stage, the proposed botanical garden - with indoor glass house gardens and outdoor plantings - would feature acres of designated nature area, said MSU Extension County Director James Wiesing.
The garden, which would be located primarily in the southernmost areas of the Commons, will only take root, however, if public response is positive. The steering committee is hoping that a scientific sampling of 1,700 households will provide insight into public opinion.
Slated for mailing in May, the survey will seek input on several issues including size and scale of the gardens and sources of funding.
"We are trying to find out if there is interest in the community to do something like this, and if there is, to what extent," said Wiesing, who noted that the his office's role is solely facilitator to explore possibilities.
"You don't want to undertake a major multi-million dollar campaign unless you have the support of the community."
Germination of the botanical garden began last spring when Grand Traverse County MSU Extension received a Community Development Grant to explore the creation of a garden on the Commons grounds. The group also visited the Frederick Meijer Botanical Garden in Grand Rapids to see first- hand the process involved in development of a botanical garden facility.
In August, regional gardening clubs, local government officials, the Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corporation, the Grand Traverse Pavilions, local horticultural businesses and educational institutions met to generate ideas and opinions on the proposed botanical garden.
One aspect not under consideration was the future of Building 50. Wiesing said the development of a botanical garden could be pursued no matter the fate of the historical building.
Following the brainstorming session, a steering committee was formed to direct the blossoming project. The committee concluded that indoor glass house gardens and outdoor plantings would be created in the southernmost areas of the Commons along Silver Lake Road and Division Street. Specially, the botanical garden would be located in sub-areas 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the 500 acre Commons ground - areas owned by the City of Traverse City, Garfield Township, Grand Traverse County and the Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corporation.
Wiesing noted that the outdoor gardens would utilize the existing habitats of uplands, meadows and wetlands and, in the process, help protect the natural diversity of the site.
"The natural areas that currently exists are just beautiful -little creeks and bubbling artesian wells - and the flora and fauna almost looks like a tropical rain forest," he noted.
The gardens would also include educational programming for schools as well as adult education hands-on learning. Nature trails through the woodlands, meadows and creek areas would be available for hiking and jogging.
Dr. Roberta Dow of the MSU Extension office noted that the gardens would primarily serve as an educational tool, but could include research, conservation and showcase species.
"There is an endless choice of collections: arid, evergreen, wildflower, plants with medicinal benefit. The possibilities make it an exciting proposition," said the District Extension Groundwater Agent, whose background is in plant pathology, botany and horticulture.
Equally intrigued is Rachel Brady. The interim-director of the Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corporation, Brady said the board has approved in concept the idea of a botanical garden.
"The board is excited about the concept of a garden. It is seen as being a tremendous asset to the Commons site," Brady said.
Fellow board member Dan Tholen shares an equally enthusiast view of the proposed project. The garden, he pointed out, meets district site plan criteria of benefiting the community, economic self-sufficiency and appropriate land reuse.
Moving from the conception to construction stage, however, remains contingent on survey results and public response to issues of cost and funding.
In regards to funding, Wiesing said the issue of private or public dollars will hinge on public opinion.
"That's what we're trying to find out - to what degree would the region support a botanical garden," said Wiesing, who noted that the Meijer Garden is a private, non-profit organization.
Survey results and site plans aside, those familiar with this property believe a botanical garden would fit right in among the red poppy-filled fields and babbling brooks
"It is a magical place ... with all the natural springs and secret little spots," noted Commons board member Tholen.
"That's why those involved are so excited - this area was made for a botanical garden."