Fundraising Approved For Whittier China Garden
The following article by Jake Weyer and May Tobar was published in the July 26, 2010 issue of the Southwest Journal:
FUNDRAISING APPROVED FOR WHITTIER CHINA GARDEN
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on July 7 approved a fundraising effort for a Northern-style China garden at Washburn Fair Oaks Park that would be the first of its kind in the city.
The Park Board has worked with the Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society and Whittier neighborhood since 2007 on the project, which would be located in the southeast section of the 7.5-acre park. No specific design is in place, but the Northern, or imperial, style garden would feature gradual sloping eaves in its architecture and a harmonious unity with nature, according to a statement from the Park Board.
Plans might include a gateway, seating, roofed structure, paths, bridge and plantings. The Garden Society has estimated a $1.5-$2 million price tag for the garden, money that is expected to come entirely from fundraising.
The plan is to raise 20 percent of the cost during the first year, 40 percent in the second year, 60 percent in the third year and 100 percent by the fourth year. When 60 percent of the funding is reached, the Park Board will form a Citizens Advisory Committee to discuss design details. The city has been working with its sister city of Harbin, China, to help fund the garden.
The Whittier Alliance voted more than a year ago to explore the garden concept, but residents still have concerns about how it would be maintained or whether it would interrupt regular park uses, such as sledding.
“If this moves forward, how is the balance of the park affected? Whether or not the Chinese garden is a good thing or a bad thing, the neighborhood hasn’t taken a position on that yet,” said Whittier Alliance Executive Director Marian Biehn.
Park Board Commissioner Anita Tabb (4th District), said she thinks the garden could be a “potentially lovely addition to the park,” but noted it needs community buy-in to be successful and it should also transition smoothly with its surroundings.
Washburn Fair Oaks Park is at 200 24th St. E.