hannah: Thanks for the info. I can see why it would be misleading to many when the hear Rotary International Gardens and with the 2 local Rotary clubs meeting there one would assume that they are indeed conected.

twerp13- here is that rotary info from Mark D at gardens.
Hi Tammy,

Rotary Gardens was initially named that as a result of the early efforts of the Rotary Clubs in Janesville (both Morning and Noon Clubs). Dr. Yahr, our founder, was (and is) a Rotary Member and elicited many in kind donations (labor, materials, etc.) and funds from many of the members during the early years. Noon Rotary Club meets at our visitors center every Monday afternoon and the Morning Rotary Club utlizes the visitors center on Thursday mornings. Both groups help with volunteering and many members of those clubs are our active volunteers. Both clubs also donate annual funds to the gardens which collectively amount to about 3% of our operating budget. Rotary International (based in Evanston IL) contributes no money and in past years, has had issue with our use of the Rotary symbol (the "cog wheel"). We have complied with their request to remove the majority of those symbols which were on t-shirts, our letterhead, etc. We have no affiliation with Rotary International although we do enjoy a friendly relationship with both of the Janesville Rotary clubs. It is important to note again, that monetary donations of support from those groups are a small (but appreciated) portion of our income.

Regarding the "free" things in other communities, ie Zoo's, other gardens, etc., they are typically supported by tax dollars (county or city), membership programs, fundraising events, and multimillion dollar endowments.

The gardens gets no tax dollars, has a small membership program, maybe breaks even on events, and was not sponsored by Hendricks.

Seems what many people want is a select few to maintain and finance the gardens for the enjoyment of the community. Philanthropy can only go so far-- kudos to the gardens for trying to be self sufficient! And Kudos to the volunteers, members and garden supporters!

crisis, I guess you do not understand the beauty of it all. The gardens receives absolutely none of your tax dollars and survive by private donations and memberships. If you feel it is beautiful enough to take your kids pics there, that in itself says it is worth SOMETHING to you. And for those professional photographers that charge their clients to take pics at the gardens and gives the gardens nothing, shame on you!!! Word out to those who pay to have senior pics and the like taken at the gardens, ask your photographer about this issue and ask that a portion of your fee go to keep the gardens beautiful. There are visitors you who drop whatever money they can in the donation box when you go through, and there have always been freeloaders who never give a dime, sadly, the latter now far outnumber those who give, so now all will have to pay.

Crisis if your children are 2 & 4 you wouldn't pay! Didn't you read the article?

Well Said DJ!

We already pay an arm and a leg for the 4H fair prices also... now this!

staticcrush, be appauled all you want! Its not like its a huge place! Yes Im an amateur photographer, but my kids are only 2 and 4, i really do think thats a hefty price to pay for children that dont quite understand the beauty of it all!
SOLDAR- you're idea is great! lowered price would be nice..
I also live out of town, orginaly from Janesville and Im tired of everything in janesville costing so much,
Im there a max of 20 minutes, before my children are too would up to control themselves, so paying for a 2 yr old and a 4 yr old would be completly crazy! People arent made of money these days- especially with gas, and flood damage! Its nice just to get out sometimes. This is a community thing!

And... what about those whome would be attending weddings? do they have to pay? i really do think this is going to push people away from the hidden beauty of janesville!

I agree that Janesville's Rotary Gardens deserves support. Personally, I would opt to purchase a yearly membership.
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However, it occurs to me that Madison, WI and Lincoln Park, IL each manage to provide a free zoo to residents and visitors. I realize that every situation is different. But I wanted to mention this in response to the posts insinuating that the residents of Janesville are being selfish and unreasonable.

Give it to city council to decide? What a laugh! We'll probably end up with another consulting firm studying the situation. . .

I love the gardens but I will not pay that much to go see them.I do donate what I can for my family-5 dollars when I go there but gas is to much driving from lake geneva.I could see maybe 2 dollars for adults and 1 for kids!At least you would get some from the ones that dont donate at all.I love the gardens but not enough to pay 20$.Sorry

There is no mention of the fees the Gardens charge for events or how the gardens appropriate the funds raised into their budget in this article. According to the website, fees are $380 for garden rental Friday or Sunday and $500 for Saturday. Friday or Sunday reception is $1525 and $2075 for Saturday. This doesn't include the professional photography permits required ($30 per day or $250 year long). All the article mentions is fundraising. Are the weddings etc. considered "fundraisers"?

Maybe the city should donate ten grand. That would take care of a couple thousand poeple. The city wastes more money on higher education. Like more basketball courts! Get out of here. How many kids benefit from that? Or the special task force. They sit around in a strip club for 9 months observing a bunch of stippers to arrest. How much of a joke was that? Maybe we should just combine the two. Put up a brass pole down at the gardens and have strippers and flowers. (Dont forget the basketball courts.) Where is money really being wasted here?

the floods have done great damage to the property.
rotary gardens staff and loads of volunteers keep the place up.
all costs are paid via fundraisers and donations.
all the flood damage will be paid by the same.
when you go to the gardens and see no weeds, beautiful garden designs and meticulously manicured settings, it ain't by magic that all that occurs.
throughout the nation, more and more gardens are finding it necessary to charge fees.
the beautiful boerner gardens in milwaukee now charge a similar fee.
i can only assume that family memberships or seasonal passes will be available.
the rotary gardens are a wonderful asset to the entire janesville community.
a small entrance fee is a fair trade off.
the alternative is to have another trash-ridden, goose poop covered fishin' hole.
is that what we really want?

tons of people go to photo studios all the time and get pictures too, they pay something called a sitting fee. do you tell them you do not want to pay it? I am apalled at the number of photographers, amature and professional that pay zero to the gardens for the use of their fabulous background, tell me again why people deserve this for nothing?

I think this will definatly ruin the gardens! Tons and tons of people only go there for pictures! I personally take my daughters there and take pictures with the flowers.. i think thats rediculous! If I have to pay I definatly will not be going there anymore, Ill find some place else to go! What about all those wedding parties that go there to take picures? That cant afford their $400-$600 fee for a garden wedding.. People are not going to pay $5 a person just to go take pics for 20 mintutes! Not to mention the family members that want to watch the pictures being taken and whatnot... This is definatly not going to be a fun family thing to do anymore if they charge! We look for free/educational things to do for our children, Just insane! Sad!
I dont understand this, consdidering they do charge so much for weddings, and stuff!

i see on each of their sites they have a link to eack other and rotary meets at the gardens. i emailed Mark dwyer to get this answered. Why would they have talked about changing the name then because it was confusing that rotary wasnt involved. i will try to google article. if i search here it prob wont come up cause this is new site for gazette.

That is the Janesville Rotary International club chapters web site.

I don't go to Rotary Gardens very often, however if they require a fee to get in then I'll save my money and invest it in my own garden.

hannah: according to the rotary international club web site it is indeed a part of the gardens. How else could they use a regiterd copy writed name like Rotary International and the symbol on the sign is related to the "Rotary International" symbol

thats too bad- I won't pay to go there.

the "rotary club" has nothing to do with "rotary gardens" they have talked about changing the name because of this MISCONCEPTION

I mentioned this to my hubby... he likes the gardens too, but think that they have ruined it for the fishing. He remembers the old Atlas pit and says that if Rotary club international can't afford to upkeep it it should go back to the way it was.. a good fishing hole.
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I still think adding higher fees to the rental cost would be much better than individual fees. Plus do more fundraisers that the whole community can be apart of and not just the ones who can afford the fancy dinners and such.
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One other thought, although I like seeing the lights at Christmas,maybe they could cut that out..it can't be cheap for the electric and that would save money too. Just a suggestion.

WOW. WHATS NEXT.COULDNT EVEN GO TO THE 4 H FAIR.NOW THIS.MAYBE SOMEONE WILL CHARGE FOR PARKING, SWIMMING,AND,FISHING TOO.WELL THEY SHOULD BECAUSE THE GARDEN WRECKED THE BEACH AND THE FISH ANYWAY.

ladulce, I checked into that too and it seems the gardens has a lease so they paid to use the property and therefore, the city needs to pay nothing to maintain it.

ladulce- try breathing in this world w/o plants and see how far you get and see what the air polution would be like. you need to take some classes before speaking about things you dont know about.

they rotate plants threw the seasons- good luck looking at spring bulbs in the summer.

good luch going to madison garden for free. talk about childish- rather spaend the money in gas than go to your local garden and pay a small fee. EVERYTHING in janesville cannot go on being free or it will cease to go on. like somebody mentioned if there isnt a fee maybe it will show in our taxes eventually. just cause the parks are FREE do you really think YOU ARE NOT paying for them in your taxes??duh ofcourse you are!!!!

I have seen homes that people own and they lease the land.This was on the river.very scary idea to me! I am guessing this isnt much different. fine you have your opinion and i have mine. I pay taxes for YOUR kids to go to school. But unfortunattly tha tis how it is.Maybe I should just try to QUIT doing that. yeah right.

focus- your post makes a lot of things more rational in asking for the fee.

According to the garden's website, you are suppose to get a permit to photograph if you are a professional. Since there are so many special photos taken there, like graduation, perhaps a fee for that. Professional or not. You pose, you pay. I don't see anything wrong with that idea.

Weddings, it would be very inappropriate to make your guests pay $5.00 to get into the ceremony. I think the fees for holding weddings needs to be raised.

I'd like to find out what percentage of the visitors are from out of town and what are from here in town. How often do in-towners visit?

I see nothing wrong with a user fee. Better than seeing it tax-funded. Perhaps some family friendly fund raisers too. Things a working family can afford, not just those in the upper brackets.

The Rotary Gardens is a living, breathing children's museum. Think of all the things a child could learn about there. Science, nature, art, design, horticulture, smell, touch, emotions, courtesy, charity. The list goes on. Those who wish to dump money into the proposed down-town childrens museum, maybe take a look at the gardens, their need for funds, and what an opportunity this would be for you to donate some of that money to the gardens instead of building something else (which would require tax dollars).

MAINTAINING: To keep current plants- not add more....

GROWING OR ADDING: adding additional plants

Therefore, in "maintaining" there are no new plants, unless they are divided from those that already exist.

And, quite simply, I didn't realize that it wasn't paid for with tax money. I find it interesting though, that it is on public property- yet privately owned? Hmmmm. I think the public still deserves some interest in this, then. Unless I can open a business on public property... Then it would be "fair".

And, quite simply, you have no idea as to my level of compassion. These are plants, not people. The gardens are beautiful, but, I think the word "compassion" should be used for breathing creatures.

Ultimately, If they do this, I will no longer go- nor will I contribute as I have historically. Part of the reason I have contributed is because I think it should remain free. But, if they are charging "general fees" on public land, I have issue with that. As such, my family will withhold contribution, and, will opt instead for Rockford or Madison gardens. I don't believe these gardens are on public land, though I will look into it and if they are, won't use them either.

Hannah- you need to relax. Go walk in the garden. And, hon, you feel free to email me if you would like- you have NO CLUE who I even am, so, grow up.. This isn't a contest. I can state my opinion (that I pay a lot in taxes) without it being a 4th grade match of I PAY MORE!

zoom - iagree what is with 2 articles at the same time about the same thing

laduce- I pay VERY high taxes too and am no against a fee. if it is "JUST flowers" then why would you go to see anyway?? email me if yould like to comapre our tax rates and see whos is higher . i am curious!!

a few mentioned the rising costs of everything- youre exactly right- the rising cost of keeping a garden has resulted in asking for a fee!

laduce- you dont know crap about gardening if you think the items needed to flourish a garden "DONT COST THAT MUCH"" do you know all the acradge there??? To treat ONE small tree once a year from japanese beetles is about $30.

Again try to go to madison for the day and only spend $5 a person for an event or maybe milwaukee, better yet chicago- $30 just to park!!!! be glad we dont have to pay to park here in janesville!!!!! YET

If you don't want to pay a fee, then don't go. It's that simple. Rotary Gardens is NOT Riverside Park, it's not like Palmer Park. It is not paid for by your tax dollars. The bottom line here is that either the Gardens starts generating some revenue to help pay expenses, or it closes down.

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Laudalce: Maintaining is different than growing? Have you been to Rotary Gardens. Where do you think the original plant/seed comes from? How do you think it gets planted? Does it just show up, and then Rotary Gardens takes over from there, and "maintains"?
These insecticides and fertilizers cost a lot of money. Have you ever wondered what a water bill looks like from Rotary Gardens? They've been discussing fee's for years. They opted for the donation tubes instead. This obviously hasn't generated the money they hoped it would. Now they have to impose fees. There will be more financial-friendly options made available to your family. If you don't want to buy a pass at all, then don't. No one is going to blame you in today's economy, and by your lack of understanding and compassion associated with this article, I doubt anyone is going to miss you.

The double posting of almost identicle articles by the Gazette is really irritating, and unprofessional. What's the purpose?
http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/aug/21/...

Back on topic. Interesting data from the 2006 Annual Report. According to the 2006 annual report, they had only 4 full-time, 7 part-time and 6 seasonal staff. Everything else is done by volunteers. In 2006, there were 336 active volunteers, with 238 of those being regular volunteers. The volunteers worked an average of 1,893 total hours per month. Wow.
http://www.rotarygardens.org/images/2006...

To MAINTAIN is different from "growing". Flowers grow and can be divided to provide additional flowers. Yes, there are insecticides, fertilizers, etc, but, the actual cost of these items isn't that much. I think all of the "expansion" was unnecessary, paticularly if they were already struggling. I also think that the other poster was correct in stating that they are better off getting $1 per person and having 100 visitors, than charging $5 each and only getting a few. Not to mention that if they are charging a fee they are now going to have to employ someone to monitor attendance. There are few things that we, as a community, can offer newcomers and tourists. This is one of the best. I fear that with there being a high price of admission, businesses would be hurt. People from Rockford that come here to see our gardens would opt for Anderson.

Again, you aren't entitled to have the perks of something that you don't pay for. Your taxes DON'T pay for Rotary Gardens. And you contradict yourself--theoretically, you say, there should be no fees because volunteers are available to do the only work you think is required to maintain the gardens. In the next sentence, you talk about raising the fees for events. There would be no events held there if there was no garden, or if it was not maintained. Are you confused?

pwrtrp's posting shows his ignorance...each post more ignorant and obnoxious than the last. He thinks the Rotary Garden has owners now....lol

ladulce--do you honestly think the only thing that people actually need to do to the "FLOWERS" are weed them in order to maintain them at Rotary Gardens?

HANNAH- I am sorry that you are so personally invested in this... And, that you seemed to take offense at my having 4 children (LOL). At the movie theater, there is a cost to play the movie. There is a cost of people to sell tickets, take tickets, sell popcorn, run the movie, etc. THESE ARE FLOWERS! They are there- whether people look at them or not. There is no NEED to have people there, so, theoretically there is no NEED to have a fee, right? If the gardens were left as is, volunteers could weed it. And, yes, there are volunteers that do that.
Also, since it is used for events- how about increasing that rate? And, FYI: as a homeowner with very high taxes, I thought that part of what I was paying for was to assure that my family had SOME "perks". I pay A LOT in taxes, and, it is ridiculous to me that soon we will be charged for EVERYTHING. Perhaps you are too emotionally involved here?

Pwtrip we get it. It is apparent that no matter what anyone does, says or possibly thinks is going to change your mind. Now, unless you have something constructive to add to the discussion that will actually benefit, please have the courtesy to---------

After having called a friend who volunteers many hours at the gardens I have found that with a very reasonable cost of $35, $60 or $100 dollars (well below the price of a family of 5 taking in a movie, popcorn and fast food or a day at the fair) a membership to the gardens can be purchased allowing access without additional cost 365 days a year.

With the rising costs of EVERYTHING its a cinch that we wont be spending $5 dollars to walk in a garden? Thats just one more thing we wont be doing in Janesville (what you got in your wallet) Wisconsin.

I love the gardens and take my kids there every once in awhile for walks but I could never afford to pay $14 each time I went there. I wish I had a better suggestion or idea but I don't.

and why the price difference between age? that is age discrimination. If you ask me the little kids should pay more , they do the most damage. Or at the "childrens museum" have adults get in at half price because it isnt for them anyway.

Ok..not the "owner"...but this guy:
Gary Smith, interim executive director of the gardens.

In the long run what is better? 10 people donating $1. each, or 2 people you have to charge $5. ?? Word of mouth is still the best means of advertisement. Example...group of friend....hmm what to do? Lets go to bar and watch band...everyone "Yes! Awesome!" oh yea there is a $5. cover..., everyone.."screw that then". LOTS of people are discouraged by cover charges. And due to the charge...people will judge and rate the place by if they got their money worth...theres always unhappy customers and word travels. Free customers are always happy customers. Happy customers spread happy words...draws more people...more people to donate. The owner needs a class on marketing before he decides to cut his throat here.

The community OWNS the gardens. This is a NON-profit who has cut and cut costs to try and sustain itself. There are NO tax dollars - there is no owner.

All the people that go to the gardens and enjoy it...owner sees this and just wants to take advantage of them...thats all I see. And all he sees is $$$$$

As a long time volunteer and monetary supporter of the Rotary Gardens, let me share with you how difficult it is to sustain the gardens today. The gardens receives no public tax community funding. Yes, the gardens sits on city "land" (which was a very ugly site before the gardens were formed) but it receives zero funding from state, county or city levels. We do all of our own fundraising and depend heavily on our volunteers to provide no cost labor, time and materials to keep the gardens in the condition they are in today.
Consider this: Almost every high school student and their families has spent countless hours in the garden doing graduation, prom, homecoming pictures - we've never charged and rarely get a donation from the 1000's of people who pass through the gardens on those important days.
Every week 1000's of people pass through the gardens to sit and relax, showcase a beautiful gardens to their families/friends and never donate in the tubes. I've watched. It's amazing!!
This decision is a difficult one but without an admission fee we will not see our beautiful gardens survive.
Did you ever consider that every week busloads of tourists come and tour the gardens (and they do pay a fee) and then they go to your restaurants and shops and spend money = so that your kids and yourself can earn a living. Take the gardens away, and our major tourist attraction is gone.
Have an open mind - please. The gardens will have a very affordable "friends" program which will allow our families to annually have a membership (cheaper than a movie for a family of 5) and visit the gardens for free.
Please don't criticize if you a) don't contribute personally and b) don't understand how these types of gardens are run. There are very few gardens anywhere in the US that are "free" anymore. Even your national parks (supported by tax dollars) require annual fees or daily passes.

In today's economy, with people needing to be more careful with their spending, I don't think they will be willing to spend five dollars to look at flowers. Some things will survie in this new economy and many things will not, this maybe one of them.
But let us not forget, we may have a children's museum to take its place.

sannio- there are also MANY parks that charge fee to get in. over go on a trip and want to look at a park there is a fee.

pwtrip- your vandal theory doesnt work. they have ALREADY been vandalized greatly in the past a few times .

I previously opposed the idea of a fee. However, considering the likely hood of declining donations, I feel the gardens should do whatever possible to sustain itself. On the other hand, I agree with those who mention a cheaper season or family pass option. In addition, children should not be charged $5.00 for something that can be looked at as educational. Moreover, free days should be provided, which would only draw in more future paying visitors. If done with thought and care to make sure everyone who wants to visit the Gardens has an opportunity or can afford it, then I think the concept is worth looking into. Hopefully the city council looks at suggestions from this blog and the public hearing to help set out a plan that works for everyone.

I was always surprised there was not a fee. Please, please do not let this treasure deteriorate just because of the almighty dollar. There is a saying "either you are rich or good looking" and I happen to be good looking. For sure if I were rich, I would be supporting these wonderful gardens!!

I think Rotary Gardens is an asset to our community. It is the first place I bring out of town guests in order to show them that we are more than Milton Avenue Payday loan stores with a Hooter's by the freeway. But, I think to make it inclusive for the community, it should be kept on a voluntary donation basis. Let's face it, people without a lot of extra resources are not going to be able to enjoy this facility and the benefits it would bring to their lives if they had to shell out $5 each time.

I would be willing to pay a reasonable annual fee ($25-50) to be able to view the gardens on an unlimited basis and be able to bring people a few times a year. I bet many other people would as well.

There must be other ways to infuse the place with cash. More special events, perhaps like ice cream socials and fine arts fairs. But I don't think we should encourage a lot of sponsorship if it means billboards and advertising in the gardens. Yuck.

Maybe another fund raising opportunity is to increase the fees for special events. I don't know the fee structure for weddings, but Olbrich Gardens in Madison charges a pretty hefty fee to get married in the garden. And people are on a waiting list for the chance to do it.

In a nutshell, don't shut the doors of this community asset to people who can't afford it.

We can come up with more excuses why not to do then solutions to help. Guess it is easier to complain and blame someone else. If the Rotary Gardens is to remain a viable tourist attraction and place of beauty and pride, it needs funds. At the entrance, a suggested donation of $5.00 is asked. How many of you put anything in there? Probably most of you.
There is nothing wrong with an admission fee.
Five Dollars seems reasonable for the chance to see something beautiful.
How about this?
General Admission $5.00
Senior Citizens: $3.00
Children age 0-12 $ .50
Groups:
Family: $15.00
Tour groups; 3.50 per person
This way, maybe, just maybe, everyone will pay something but not too much.
It takes money to maintain and it takes understanding that all things in life are not free.
How about working together for a change to insure this garden remains a place we all can enjoy! Is that asking too much?

I like the gardens, but I do have a problem with this fee. This is a private club/organization that is asking the general public to fund their business that happens to be located on city (tax payer owned) property.
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Their organization need to either charge more for their rental events, do more fundraising events, or just cut back. I believe they could also get grants.
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On a side note I would like to know how many paid jobs they do have, and what the adminisrtator gets paid. Many times cutting from the top achieves more than cutting from the bottom or in this case creating fees that would be a possible hinderance to the general local users of the gardens. Perhaps the Rotary club could spare some of their business members and get them to donate time to take on more fundraising , donation seeking oppertuinties.

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Besides would charging a fee actual lose money for the gardens? I know many people donate when they can when they stop by, but wouldn't even go if a actual fee is imposed. So in affect less people would actualy use the gardens and thus less money would be generated.
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Just asking if other possiblities are available that would work? Like I said I like visiting the gardens,some times just at the spur of the moment (I may not even have cash on me at the time) but not sure I would be able to at the spur of the moment if I was charged a fee.

And next year the friends of Riverside will ask to charge a fee. In 2010 the friends of Palmer park will ask to charge a fee.
Janesville - The city of pay per use parks.
If you gotta charge a fee, you're getting over your head. If you want to charge a fee, buy some land.

Wow...that's some criminal thinking Pwrtrip. And I think it's pretty far-reaching, unless you're the juvenile planning on doing the vandalizing in the event that the fees are put into place. Juveniles are going to behave in a relatiatory manner if they are being charged to go into the gardens? What?

Yea...how do you keep non-payers out? A 10 foot chain linked fence with razor wire? I can see Janesville doing that...lol. I also think this fee would inspire more people to destroy stuff there. People that meet there to be social, picnic, hang out... your robbing them of their place. You want to take something from the community...I can see some of the juvenile members of the community deciding to come take something back by vandalizing.. Its sad but true.

yes they can have gardeners volunteer their time BUT plants cost money!! WATER costs money, fertilizer, pesticide, diease control I could go on that more than just labor goes into a garden. FLODD cleanup and repalcing stuff will cost money. There is lighting and pumps they dont run on air sorry.

pwtrip- they have many nice events in the garden and the inside of the building. what is the problem with poeple making money??? do you work? do you expect a paycheck? WEll I am guessing yes. That is how the world goes round making money. a businesss cannot survive if they dont make money!

The website for the gardens lists all sorts of fees they change.

http://www.rotarygardens.org/

Maybe raise some of them instead? If brides have no problem paying thousands of dollars for a dress they use one time, increase the costs of renting the gardens.

I didn't know they have a "Photography Permits Fee":

Rotary Botanical Gardens requires a $30 (one day) or $250 (year-long) professional photography permit (ie. wedding, prom, senior portraits, etc.). Permits can be purchased same day inside at Cottage Garden Gift Shop. One-day permits are included with all facility rental contracts. Permits are not required by amateur photographers and visitors to the gardens.
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Maybe just charge anyone with a camera a fee. No camera, you get in free. ;)

season pass is good idea/ or family season pass. If you read the story they will be discount/or free days. go on that day if you dont want to pay $5.
sorry ladulce- you had 4 children- you didnt think they would cost you money??? so every thing shouold be free for you cause "you have 4 children"? do you take them to movies and complain you have to pay for them to get in there too? how about the beach?

It all boils down to greed. They need, need, and need more money. I didnt know about the convention center....lol. I thought this was a "garden". Now its a money making enterprise. Now they have a convention center all the owners see is dollar signs. The actual purpose of the garden is long forgotten...all it is for now is to make money... No matter how nice, cool, beautiful the place is it loses all its apeal when all its about is money. Money, money, money...thats all people want or care about...seriously the fact that were talking about a botanical garden has already been forgotten. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I would like to see it stay free... I don't understand why the gardens are begging for this fee. They seem to have enough money to be adverising on local placemats, chanel 21 (PBS) and in many other places. I realize you need to advertise some, in order to get out of town visitors, but not to the extent where you have to start charging the locals to go to one of their own parks. Let's get adverising donated then maybe you would have enough money to keep up the gardens.
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Also as someone else said, cut back if it is getting too costly...we don't always have to be keeping up with the Jones's.

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Here is an idea if you really want a fee...Why don't we charge just the non local visitors if that is the case. I know the Milwaukee zoo does that and the museums too. Certain days of the week any Milwaukee County resident is free. We could implement something like that ourselves...along with if you join a membership would allow you to have say 4 people to get in free with you.
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One other question while I am at it, how are we going to make sure people don't sneak in. Are we going to have to build a chain link fence all around the gardens? And where would the money for that come from?

I am sorry, but, this would make it impossible for many families to go. I have 4 children, so, to take them to look at the swimming fish would cost us $22? That is ridiculous. That $22 could be spent on a family pass to somewhere else. We love the rotary gardens (we were married there), and, we donate every time we go, but, if it were $22 for our family to go, we simply wouldn't, and, I feel that we are in the majority. We are only there less than an hour- so $22 for 40 minutes of entertainment- paticularly when the "entertainment" isn't people, but, plants is simply ridiculous.

Non-resident vs. resident admissions! Definitely something to write to the city council about!

I believe they should charge a fee to get in espically tourists. But for residents that live here they should at least offer a discounted season pass because I think most residents wouldn't go as much and it is a beautiful place. My family goes at least four to five times a year and with a family of four that would be very costly.

The Rotary Gardens is a beautiful asset to the community. I would prefer to see the City support it and Tallman House in some fashion. While I personally don't have a problem with an admission for an outing to the Gardens, I am concerned about the elderly and others on fixed incomes, or low incomes, who also want to enjoy the beauty and peace of this place. When Ilived close to it, I used to stop after exercise, just to comtemplate. I wouldn't have money along on those visits. I imagine there are others who just stop in like that. Are there annual memberships available in lieu of dropping money in the donation box at the entrance or paying an admission?

Pwrtrip--you're probably guessing wrong about the woman volunteering her 40-60 hours during the summer. There are Rotary Gardens staff members who are on a payroll. In addition, while soliciting advertisers may seem an easy way to bring in money for operating costs, it increases payroll because somebody will need to be receiving a paycheck to gather the advertisers and sponsors. Did you also suggest paying the volunteers with the advertising money? Are you serious? Sometimes I can't sense sarcasm on these boards.

Maybe they shouldn't have done the huge construction of their "convention center"

I would guess that many visitors already give a few dollars at each visit. It would be interesting to know if the Gardens has data on how much gets donated per visitor. Do they even have a way to track how many people visit the gardens?

I would too. if you go to any other gardens anywhere!!and more than $5 they charge to get in. I am sick of jvl. being so cheap and wanting EVERYthing for free.

We can hardly support good restaurants in this town cause people are so cheap!!

lovelymygoldens- if youre a member you dont have to pay. also i think if youre a volunteer you dont have too. maybe you should consider that if you spend alot of time there already. I am not sure how much volunteer work you have to do though. I would like to volunteer some day when I retire but now I can hardly keep up with my own.

Pwrtrip,
Perhaps, you should volunteer for the fundraising efforts.

Teeber,
Your first comment makes no sense. This really has nothing to do with the City Council and Manager. The Rotary Garden board is asking for the admission fee. It just so happens that the City Manager has to approve that fee, since the land is leased by the city.

Did you even read the article? The Manager is deferring the decision to the Council, which seems the right thing to do.

Since you seem so quick to complain, what's your solution? Should the Council block the admission charge, and watch the Gardens close up? Do you have some better use for the land that won't cost tax payers anything, and will also draw tourists into Janesville?

Get sponsors...local businesses. Advertise these sponsors on flyers, at the gardens somewhere (tastefully) is there a rotary gardens website? Sponsors could be put on there.. Advertisement in exchange for some kind of contribution. Contributions given to the volenteers...Or just general money. Where theres a will theres a way. Charging admission just turns it into more of a corporate thing and takes away some of its apeal. The freedom of it is one its attracting traits.

We cant afford ammenities that we've had for years.. the pool at riverside park. Closed for the past few years due to lack of funds. The chance residense are going to frequent the gardens having to pay admission is going to be more slim. So why cater to tourist when we cant take care of our own?
Saucier---Im just not afraid to say what and how I feel. No sugar coating coming from me. The hours of the gardens would probably be cut back. Maybe instead of making the gardens so much that they cant be maintained...cut back a little so its manageable. Then everyone can enjoy it with out dishing out hand-outs. Im guessing your mother volenteers there? Well if shes tired of volenteering and needs to be paid...find a different job...we all have to. Im not being rude either...just saying.

It's amazing how people can't pay $5.00 to see the beautiful gardens, but they can pay nearly that much for a pack of cigarettes or a six-pack of beer. Priorities! That being said, for someone like myself who visits the gardens regularly, $5.00 per visit would add up quickly. Maybe they could charge some kind of yearly membership instead. And of course it would help if the gardens hadn't been vandalized numerous times in the last couple of years. It'd be much easier for them to pay to maintain the gardens instead of having to repair and replace things!

I think that there are plenty of people who travel to and near Janesville who make a special trip to visit these gardens. I am sure most of them would be more than happy to pay $5 to see this treasure. Teeber, your last comment including "during times of economic downturn, It's time we keep a lid on spending, Taxes, And increases" brings a question to my mind--who is proposing increases in spending and taxes? Rotary Gardens is a gem, but it can't maintain itself and if you can't afford admission in these times of economic downturn, you have other options. Don't go. Just like I don't go to the movies for entertainment if I can't afford it. Or the waterpark, or out for dinner, etc.

I'd also like to add that this fee isn't something that everyone will have to pay. It's not like there is extra money being added to everyone's taxes. This fee is aimed at those who use the gardens, and rightfully so. If you don't want to pay a fee, then don't go to the Gardens. It's that simple. I think that the majority of people who do go to the Gardens will find the money to pay the fee. It's a beautiful place, and I think a lot of us have taken it for granted.
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Saucier, I'm glad you pointed out your mothers situation. I know Rotary has very few employees (a family member of mine used to work there), and they put in a lot of hours. It isn't a 9-5 type deal. They're there on weekends and stay late all the time.
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I also think that the community should applaud the volunteers of Rotary Gardens, for they are the reason it still exists. They do a beautiful job and take pride in their work. Thank You.

Saucier3, We all are entitled to our views here. I understand your views, Now try to understand mine when some of us are trying to keep our heads above water here and stay afloat. Oh, but geez, Thats right, Some of you have higher paying jobs than others so therefore you dont know what its like to have to try and hold your head above water. Yes, The gardens are buetiful, That I will say. But during times of economic downturn, It's time we keep a lid on spending, Taxes, And increases. Its not open season on those of us who are taxpayers barely making it as it is.

If they can't make it as a non-profit, I think they should start charging a fee. Then they subject themselves to the law of supply and demand. Personally, I don't see much of a demand for a botanical garden. They can't get me to go when it's free so I certainly wouldn't pay $5 to see it. Don't get me wrong, I don't wish them to fail. I hope there are enough people willing to pay to see it. But if there isn't, then it's time to close up shop. It's just simple economics.
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To paraphrase Yogi Berra: "If people don't want to go to Rotary Gardens, how are you going to stop them?"

Rotary Gardens is a park, that's true. However, it is a park that is maintained everyday by volunteers and is the most beautiful place around to have a wedding or take prom, senior or family pictures.
Obviously some people in Janesville think that the Gardens magically take care of themselves and therefore do not need any financial support from those visiting. I think that some of you need to take a step back from your daily ranting about how much money we pay in taxes and realize that without helping to pay for things in our community, our community would cease to exist.

People of Janesville are so cheap you could charge 50 cents and people would still complain. No wonder its not being funded.

Teeber and Pwrtrip u 2 are are unbelievable.
how about you two start something as magnificent as the gardens and then continue to fund it out of your pockets, and see how long before you have to charge to make ends meet. Oh thats right you probably arent that quick to think of something to start up thats that great. By the way Pwrtrip my mom works at the garden she is the one that would be taking the addmission money for the gardens, she does not and has not worked BANKER HOURS. She puts in anywhere from 45 to 60 hours a week in the summer. Oh and by the way she is over 60 years old. You two apparently need to get a job if all you have to do is sit here and rip on people. Especially you pwrtrip ive seen u rip the GM and UAW appart wat is your problem if you hate everone in this town why dont you leave. Or are you just one of the jelous people that think the world is against you.

If we want to keep that beautiful garden, then a fee would help. Rotary Gardens has many volunteers. I doubt the fee would pay for any wages.
It would be a shame to see that go down.

What the heck is the city manager and council coming too??? Charge us for this, Tax us for that, And spend millions on needless projects at at time when this city is experiencing a "crunch" due to the way things are going in this city and the economy. WE can't even take care of priorities in this city! Does the city manager and council think we are all filthy rich? I think not! It's high time we all start attending council meetings and speaking up and letting them know that it's NOT ok for them to just do what they want to do. The "good old boys" are certainly at it again. Thank gosh the city manager is leaving soon! And I hope the interim manager gets the message that he needs to NOT act like the out going manager.

I would. And then I'd pay to see it again. I'd also (and have) volunteer my services down there. Rotary Gardens is an amazing place. It's a shame they are coming up short financially. If they need to charge admission I'm all for it, although I doubt my viewpoint will be shared by the majority.

Rip the place out of there and put the BMX track back. Charge money....lol. Who would go there then? The money it would make wouldnt even cover the wages of the person working collecting the money...and then it would have bankers hours. "Janesville....city of parks...but we charge you to see them." It no longer has funding because its not as popular...seen it once, you've already seen it. No one in their right mind would pay again to see it.