News from Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Chair's Corner...

By Dennis Patton

Executive Committee Chair

    2012 was a record-breaking year in a number of ways. Record-breaking heat, drought, and yes, even a few milestones here at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Despite the summer heat and drought, people visited the Arboretum in record numbers, with a projected 154,000 visitors in 2012.
    I guess the old saying that there is no such thing as bad press holds true. As you probably know there was a controversy surrounding a certain piece of sculpture at the gardens. No matter whether you like or dislike the piece it brought out visitors in droves. Greeters consistently said people would walk into the EEVC and ask one question, "So where is the sculpture?" Hopefully these first time visitors also took the opportunity to walk a wooded trail, visit the prairie or stroll through the gardens, as the Arboretum has so much to offer.
    In addition to the sculpture exhibit, the Arboretum also made the headlines about changes in the admission policy. Also controversial, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will begin charging an admission fee starting January 1, 2013. The fees are very reasonable and should not be a barrier for visiting. Members of the Friends of the Arboretum will receive free admission. How to join FOTA and rates for 2013 are listed in this issue of the eNews.
    Some ask, "Why a fee? The City does not charge to visit other parks." The answer is very simple: The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is not a park. It is so much more, and supporters have a vision that will make this prized property a cultural attraction for locals and out of town visitors alike. Achieving these goals will not be accomplished with public tax dollars. Achieving the vision will require community investment.
    Please consider joining FOTA, not only for the free admissions, but also because this organization has the responsibility of helping to generate funds for continual development and growth. In fact, FOTA has contributed more than $1,000,000 -- yes, one million dollars -- to the development of the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens over the years.
    A new year always brings new hopes and dreams. FOTA's dream is that we will continue to make great strides in the development of the Arboretum. These hopes will only be realized if we embrace needed change.
    Thanks for your support - Dennis

Join Friends of the Arboretum

Friends of the Arboretum Website

General Information

FOTA Chair Dennis Patton:

Dennis.Patton@jocogov.org

Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Merrick:

VolunteerCoordinator@opkansas.org

FOTA Coordinator Suzie Swyden:

fotacoordinator@yahoo.com

Send photos and news to:

judy@springvalleynursery.com

Commemorative Gift and

Donation opportunities can be accessed online. If you are interested in the Friends of the Arboretum "Planned Giving" program, please contact Teresa Stohs.

   FOTA membership categories and rates are changing, effective January 1. Individual memberships (member) are $35, member + 1 memberships are $50, and member + 5 memberships are $75.
    In 2013, an individual Member will receive one card, Member + 1 will receive two cards, and Member + 5, six cards.
    In January, when the Arboretum begins charging an admission fee of $3 for adults (age 13 and over) and $1 for kids 6 to 12 (admission is free for kids 5 and younger), you will need to present your FOTA membership card(s) for free admission to the Arboretum. Cards are not transferable, and the Arboretum reserves the right to check identification.
    In addition to plant sale discounts (as well as members-only sale previews) and FOTA social events, a very valuable benefit of your FOTA membership is participation in a reciprocal program with more than 200 gardens and arboretums throughout North America. Specific information about this program can be found at the American Horticultural Society website. Reciprocal benefits vary and it is wise to check with the facility before you go.
    If you are a member now, your current membership is good until its expiration date. You will receive a new membership card (or cards), showing your current expiration date, in the mail before January 1. Please use the new card(s) for admission to the Arboretum in 2013 until your membership expires and it is time to renew (you will be notified a month in advance of your renewal date).
    Those who have previously been member/donors at a higher level (Patron, Contributor, Sustaining Member, Fellow) may continue to renew membership at those levels. These member/donors will each be acknowledged in the 2013 Annual Report and will receive six membership cards. Donations are an important part of FOTA's efforts to support the Arboretum.
    Updated membership brochures (with application form) will be available in the Visitors Center January 1, and a downloadable PDF will also be accessible from the FOTA website for those who wish to purchase by check. Memberships can be purchased now by credit card online -- click here.
    Remember, families who join before January 1 can get the Member + 5 membership at a 33% discount, so JOIN NOW!

    The 2012 Luminary Walk experienced a record-breaking attendance of more than 14,000 over the four night period. The weather was perfect. The new horse-drawn hay wagon rides were well received, augmented by sunsets and moonlight. While the candle-lit paths through woods and gardens, the Visitors Center, and the holiday entertainment were as electrifying as ever, The Children's Garden was particularly spectacular.
    Thanks once more to our presenting sponsor, Panera Bread, and the many volunteers who worked so very many hours under the leadership of Teri Shields and Karen McNerney.
    Photos by Carol Fowler (above) and Mark Higgins (below), who also captured the scene atop this newsletter.

Need Last-Minute Gifts? (Who Doesn't!)

   Christmas procrastinators, relax! Here are several easy solutions to your last-minute gift shopping quandary, all instantly available to you with just a few clicks online.
    Plant Sale gift certificates are available (click here) in the amounts of $25, $50, $75 and $100. Give your gardening friend or family member a gift that looks right past winter to the spring gardening season. If the gift recipient is a FOTA member, he or she will also receive a 10% discount at the Plant Sale, increasing the value of your gift.
    If it's a more permanent remembrance you are after, engraved pavers in the Haake Celebration Terrace are an enduring gift. For more information in PDF form, click here. To order, click here.
    In both cases you will have access after purchase to a downloadable gift certificate that you can print off and present to your gift recipient.
    What could be quicker or easier?! Whew -- crisis averted!

The Arb / December 2012
Overland Park Arboretum
& Botanical Gardens

1/2 mile west of Hwy. 69
at 179th & Antioch
913-685-3604
www.opabg.org