The Star-Telegram reported that the Fort Worth Botanic Garden may soon implement an admission fee on the advice of a local task force.
The task force was created in response to the organization’s $15 million deferred maintenance. According to the Star-Telegram, the organization’s repairs and funding challenges are not being met under the current system of free admission.
Last week, the group recommended that the organization begin charging an admission fee of $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for children ages 6-15. They also recommended creating an annual membership program of $100 for families and $50 for individuals.
“I think everybody would prefer for it to be free but it’s a matter of who’s going to pay for it,” Assistant City Manager Susan Alanis told the Star-Telegram. She who noted that two-thirds of the garden’s visitors are from outside of Fort Worth.
According to Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, no decisions have been made and the city is still in the early discussions about charging an admission. The Park and Recreation Advisory Board has a scheduled vote on the plan at its October meeting. Once approved there, the City Council would then weigh in at its November 6 meeting.
Find out more by reading the full article here.
