Title
Bolz Conservatory at Olbrich Botanical Gardens reopening update and request for extension of increased admission fees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Due to the COVID19 Pandemic, the Bolz Conservatory was closed from mid-March through mid-October 2020. In September 2020, the Board of Park Commissioners approved a request from Olbrich Botanical Gardens staff increase the admission fee (from $2 to $6) to the Bolz Conservatory and adjust the revenue sharing between Olbrich Botanical Society and the City of Madison. This increased fee is required in order to provide staffing that can monitor the conservatory and ensure visitor safety while COVID19 is still present. The Board of Park Commissioners approved this request with the condition that there be a sunset clause of January of 2021 and that staff provide a report of the reopening report at the January meeting.
The COVID19 Pandemic is still prevalent in our community, and Public Health Emergency orders remain in place, requiring reduced capacities and extensive sanitization and hygiene practices. Further, as the pandemic continues into the winter the community will need safe places to care for their mental and physical well-being, and Olbrich Botanical Gardens along with the Bolz Conservatory are one of htose places. In order to keep the Bolz Conservatory open, utilizing a Cashier/Visitor Services staff person paid by Olbrich Botanical Society, staff request that the Board of Park Commissioners to extend this $6 fee and revenue sharing program through the entirety of 2021. The fee and revenue sharing for 2022 will be presented along with all other Olbrich fees in the fall of 2021.