Jack Moyer, chair of the Community Center Foundation greenhouse committee explained to Parks commissioners last week the Foundation was given a $25,000 grant by AT&T for constructing a greenhouse that includes an educational component. He said the Foundation board chose the Parks Department as its first choice to be a managing partner, and the board developed a draft Memorandum of Understanding of how they see a two-year initial arrangement playing out. The draft is now in the hands of attorney Wade Williams but will soon be presented to Parks.
Moyer said the foundation sees Parks having access to half of the 22×54-ft. space in return for maintenance and management as described in the MOU. Moyer expects there could be use of the facility by the Native Plant Society, for example, and other community entities.
Steven Foster said commissioners would need to take the draft to a workshop for discussion and then to an attorney, but stated the MOU was “a good start to building a relationship with the foundation.” One point in particular, according to Foster, that needed better definition is what “community benefit” means. He added there are budget considerations to work through.
Director Justin Huss said city council will have its opinion about the arrangement, but he sees it as a natural fit with the mission of Parks. “At every turn, it’s a benefit for Parks,” suggesting a workshop with everyone involved to resolve any obstacles.