It doesnt paint a pretty picture for the future of the new central park. At least the Myriad Gardens has the benefit of being near Devon and hopefully at least one large company in the new tower who will not let it become an absolute dump. This gives them leverage over the foundation and the city though much to the dismay of many,

Maybe someone ought to print and sell t-shirts with the message Don't Stage Center My MBG.

It recently transferred from the city's Parks and Recreation Department to The Myriad Gardens Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit. The new director apparently (from previous posts) has done an egregious job of managing resources, funding and displays.

TAlan CB, where should these complaints be registered?

I wish I knew, when I tried with complaining to them directly they told me to direct any complaint to the director and not embarrass them on a public form. Here is the catch 22, since they are now a independent foundation, they answer only to the foundation board. The foundation board is chaired by the people who hired the director and are not professionals in this field (local people of influence and money). Therefore, they do not have historic experience of knowing what it takes to run a large garden/conservatory. They hire people who are suppose to know and trust them ... so, other than seeing with their own eyes, how would they know if there was serious lack in maintenance, especially botanical? Garbage, 'missing rocks' they can see, but is that just a temporary problem? Since the current director seems to be immune from complaint, who can you complain to? The foundation hired her, are they willing to listen? The best that could be hoped for would be to bring in 'independent' professionals from similar successfull facilities around the world (at least 3 or more due to variety in garden types), and let them discuss need and resource management. To be blunt, the only successfull intervention would be to take Larry Nichols by the hand, and with a 'outside' horticultural expert, tour the facilities and point out the obvious.
.

Yes Virginia, Myriad Gardens has wifi...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BT2l6HAIEAAvYt3.jpg:large

Source: https://twitter.com/MikeLHoang/status/377640361608609792

Progress on the Meinders Garden:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mgmeinders.jpg



The Myriad Gardens Foundation is thrilled and delighted to report a major
grant award of $400,000 from Herman and LaDonna Meinders/Meinders Foundation.

Funds will be used to complete the planting plan for the Meinders Garden,
which occupies the northeast corner of the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and serves
as an entrance to the Gardens from the intersection of Sheridan and Robinson Avenues.
The Meinders Garden constitutes approximately 20% of the 17-acre Myriad Gardens.

Exciting design enhancements planned for the Meinders Garden include a new terrace
area for weddings and other events as well as a lovely, shady site for all to enjoy.
Features include a rustic, wooden trellis and a charming stone fountain.

Funds will also be used to increase the Garden’s endowment fund at the Oklahoma City
Community Foundation specifically for the long-term maintenance and sustainability
of this unique garden of native plant species that thrive in Oklahoma.


http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/w9l4p5cdorzoomr/MeindersGarden.jpg

I was wondering what they have been working on over there.

Meinders Garden construction photos:

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1098328_751371601546015_1564166124_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1378147_751371634879345_1489056004_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1381478_751371674879341_1927268242_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1186201_751371714879337_766122602_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1382865_751371744879334_75910157_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1374978_751371804879328_536615357_n.jpg

Source: https://www.facebook.com/MyriadGardens/posts/751371828212659

Very nice!

Thanks for posting.

Tough to beat a well constructed cedar pergola!

I'm guessing those column bases will be sandstone lined to cover up the metal?

I just hope they manage to keep that beautiful addition maintained better than other areas.

I'm guessing those column bases will be sandstone lined to cover up the metal?

Not sure they are, the connections were designed and galvanized so that they could easily remove and replace a post long term if the bases were to rot with our wonderful weather. Long term maintenance was definitely a consideration for the design. This was in lieu of burying the post in the ground similar to a fence post. The open areas are planting zones to let vines grow around the trellis.

That's going to look pretty sweet when it's complete.

I just hope they manage to keep that beautiful addition maintained better than other areas.

Like.

I just hope they manage to keep that beautiful addition maintained better than other areas.

In fairness, it looks like they finally fixed some of the worn out stuff in kids area, such as the fake grass on the GROW letters that was torn to shreds, and patched some of the rubber matted flooring, etc. I haven't checked around the rest of the gardens other than the THUNDER fountain, which never seemed to got fixed.

It should help the MG Foundation when the Park House opens and to have the Ice House open when the rink is not.

Both should generate some decent revenue from buildings that had been sitting idle.

Great, another fountain that will be broke in 2 months.

All snide remarks aside, it looks really good.

Went by there this afternoon. There had to be at least 20 workers present. It was like the exact opposite of Project 180 projects.

Went by there this afternoon. There had to be at least 20 workers present. It was like the exact opposite of Project 180 projects.

So is the outside gardens area taken care of by the city? I thought they were struggling to pay employees.

??

In fairness, it looks like they finally fixed some of the worn out stuff in kids area, such as the fake grass on the GROW letters that was torn to shreds, and patched some of the rubber matted flooring, etc. I haven't checked around the rest of the gardens other than the THUNDER fountain, which never seemed to got fixed.

Anyone who has followed my post know I have been critical of the staffing (numbers mostly) of the grounds. They are still 'short handed', but it has improved. More importantly, the horticulturist they have now are well qualified with extensive education and history in similar jobs. This is clearly beginning to show, and should only get better in time. The recent developments with the restaurant have further strengthen the ability of the Foundation to generate needed funds. I believe they have 'turned the corner' with maintenance. That is not to say there will not be further issues, but there always are. They still need more manpower, but when you have the 'right' people it goes a long way in compensating for not having enough. This is the third Meinders garden project, the first 2 were lost when the garden was remade. Their projects have always been both high-quality and well done. This will be no exception.

I bought a membership to the gardens earlier this year during the spring plant sale. I have mixed feelings about being a member. I don't know if I am encouraging the bad behavior of the foundation or helping financially so some of the things that need to be fixed can be fixed. I really don't take advantage of the membership benefits but that does not bother me too much if my small donation can help improve the park for everybody else.

A couple of great shots of the Gardens:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8550/10232482416_159769cf34_h.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/10232466696_82c5c3dabc_h.jpg

Source: Flickr: katsrcool (Kool Cats Photography)'s Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/katsrcool)

I bought a membership to the gardens earlier this year during the spring plant sale. I have mixed feelings about being a member. I don't know if I am encouraging the bad behavior of the foundation or helping financially so some of the things that need to be fixed can be fixed. I really don't take advantage of the membership benefits but that does not bother me too much if my small donation can help improve the park for everybody else.

Feedback from a dues-paying member should carry a little more "clout" than non-paying persons. . . and agree. . .the more members they have, the better organization and facility they can build.

looks like the park is being used.

It's being used quite a lot, if my lunchtime visits last thursday and friday were any indication. I was impressed with just how many people were there.

Nic's Expands brand, Tamazul shrinks its potential audience, and other nuggets heard on the line... | News OK (http://newsok.com/nics-expands-brand-tamazul-shrinks-its-potential-audience-and-other-nuggets-heard-on-the-line.../article/3894667)


One bite into a huge cheeseburger with grilled onions and jalapenos and I was thinking: I’m really glad I’m not a competing burger purveyor. The burger included the signature crusty surface and ultra-juicy interior Nic’s is known for. Now for the even better news: the fries were terrific, too. Oh, yeah, and then there’s the shakes.
…
Ice House will only be open through the end of October before going into hibernation until next spring. For now, you can check out the burgers from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and til 9 on weekends. The only seating is outdoors, so bundle up or take it to go. For more information, call 232-NICS.

Since there has been a lot of criticism of the Gardens, I'm going to report that I was there this morning, and it looks about as good as I've ever seen it. The Meinders Garden is lovely, and the arbor looks like a perfect site for a smaller wedding. Things were weeded and fountains were working. I hope this continues.

Since there has been a lot of criticism of the Gardens, I'm going to report that I was there this morning, and it looks about as good as I've ever seen it. The Meinders Garden is lovely, and the arbor looks like a perfect site for a smaller wedding. Things were weeded and fountains were working. I hope this continues.

That's great news, betts. Maybe all of the criticism is producing results.

I'm sure the mild recent weather and lots of rain have helped.

From their FB page... Great deal!


We are now selling off our 1,000s of pumpkins in Pumpkinville. 1 for $2, 3 for $5.

The skating rink will soon be ready to go. The cooling tubes are being installed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BYQY_gGCUAAZpGe.jpg:large

Source: http://twitter.com/DowntownOKCInc/status/397470146492506112/photo/1

Man, is it that time of year already? Guess so.

The new terrace is now open and available for rental:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1421277_771533282863180_912232005_o.jpg


And it's already being used -- first wedding ceremony held on Nov. 4th:

https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1456594_772132799469895_1095433975_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1455194_772132756136566_1281350064_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1455958_772132729469902_1202356154_n.jpg


Source: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.772132656136576.1073741873.153146858035162&type=1

New addition for the skating season:

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1426410_1483931091832474_1214664038_n.jpg

Nice!

Will be nice to grab a dog and stroll through the park.

$5 for a chili cheese dog? Only the BTT/Mutts/Backdoor crowd would be so presumptious.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6159d1389877910-myriad-gardens-mg11314a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6160d1389877911-myriad-gardens-mg11314b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6161d1389877912-myriad-gardens-mg11314c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6162d1389877912-myriad-gardens-mg11314d.jpg

I'm hoping if we get the bland version of the central park that over time new features are added via private contribtions, similar to how this wedding chapel was added after the fact to the MBG, to give it more of a feeling of community ownership...

Happy Saint Paddy's Day (but not so happy for the fish, ducks and the MG Foundation who has to clean this up):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mg031714.jpg

Shameful. They got the United Way Plaza fountain in Lower Bricktown too.

Depending on what dye they used it could have no impact on the fish of birds.

Chicago uses a vegetable dye (harmless), but my guess would be that this is fluorescein. Same stuff used to find leaks in dams and sewers. Still fairly benign.

Myriad Gardens said via Twitter that they will be forced to drain the lake, for whatever it's worth. They sound pissed. Rightfully so.

I heard a guy from the park talking to a woman and other people who just pulled up with astonished expressions that they will have to get city water brought in to fill it back up. I just overheard this walking by though. None of them seemed thrilled.

Which will require a lengthy period after to adjust Ph levels to habitable for the fish. Remember how long it took the MBG to get the fish back in after construction?

Which will require a lengthy period after to adjust Ph levels to habitable for the fish. Remember how long it took the MBG to get the fish back in after construction?

Or after testing the water if it is not harmful to the fish they could just leave it and it will go away on its own

If it is the same stuff used in Chicago, it fades in hours.

EDIT: Didn't really take into account when I posted. Not sure if the dye fades in Chicago due to natural water replenishment or the dye actually wears off?

Or after testing the water if it is not harmful to the fish they could just leave it and it will go away on its own

They have already stated publicly that it will require draining. Replenishment with tap source will require time to establish correct Ph, as happened during construction.

They stated that, but without test results, now do they know it's so?

This is disgusting. So mad right now. Hope they catch the perps and make them pay dearly.

I instantly thought it was pretty cool, and done with official consent. However, if it does damage, causes fauna and flora duress or costs money then lower the boom!

Green water found at Myriad Gardens is St. Patrick's Day prank in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/green-water-found-at-myriad-gardens-in-st.-patricks-day-prank/article/3944273)

Wow. I had assumed the MG did it like they do in Chicago for SPD.

If it is the same stuff used in Chicago, it fades in hours.

EDIT: Didn't really take into account when I posted. Not sure if the dye fades in Chicago due to natural water replenishment or the dye actually wears off?

I've seen several post about how they 'do the same to their rivers'. Plant based dye will do less damage. But, unlike rivers - which will naturally flush and disperse the dye, a pond will not. In the past the Myriad Gardens use to dye the pond blue to kill out the green algae growing in the pond. This happens because the pond is a low point on the grounds and so soil in the air naturally settles in a low spot - supplying the algae with fresh nutrients. Since the there is no natural way to flush the pond, this is how they could control excess algae blooms. The dye only lasted a few weeks and the cycle would start again. Ironically, they could pump water out of the pond and it would naturally refill because it use to be connected to the water table created by the North Canadian River - it was over 10' deep in the deepest part of the pond. When the grounds were redone, a better bottom was put on the pond - and it was made much shallower, now it no longer refills and city water must be pumped in. They were actually surprised this happen.

They stated that, but without test results, now do they know it's so?

I suppose it is because they are experts in the matter?

Knee jerk reactions.

Meaning MBG saying they would have to drain and re-fill the lake to remove the dye regardless of whether it is toxic or not was a knee-jerk reaction? Because if they are correct it isn't debateable that they will have to spend time getting the Ph right before restoring aquatic life. It has happened previously.

Obviously they have to run some tests.

People. They said regardless of toxicity they will have to drain and refill. Read several posts up for the reasons why, as explained by a former MBG employee.

Water chemistry issues and elimination of chlorine from "City water " are easily resolved within close tolerance based on about $50 of laboratory testing and could be directed by most members of the Storm Water Department with minimal effort. The statements made in the paper regarding the required action were made by an administrator that clearly had no analytical basis for those statements. They don't even know what's in there. The colorant may very possibly just go away through natural processes, or it may not. They don't know. I don't know. They don't know what was put in the water or how it will behave. Based upon how I've experienced the space under current management, expert is not the first word that comes to mind. Again, their predictions may come to pass because that is what they direct, or that may be what is required. I don't know and they don't either.