Very informative Pete!

Very informative Pete!

I know, right? :)


Seriously, I learned a lot too.

And now I'm not too worried about the MAPS 3 park.

On a related note, the scuttlebutt I'm hearing is that there is now some competetition for parks philanthropy. Supposedly there is about to be a big push from the OKC Foundation to fundraise for a general city parks fund. Since MG already has a foundation, this new fund would exclude it, and also exclude the Central Park.

Also, the City Council did not appoint any MG stakeholders onto the MAPS3 Parks subcommittee, which rankled some people's feathers (and might explain some of the overlapping programming features between the two parks)

So, behind the scenes we could be seeing 3 groups competing for philanthropic funding. It sounds like MG is on solid footing, so that is good. Also I'm hearing that the MG backers and the Central Park backers are making peace behind the scenes. So maybe all this drama will be put to rest before having any real-world consequences.

Interesting.

As I was thinking about all this, I had asked Maureen about her involvement with the new park and how the foundation may be involved. She very politely said that she is more than willing to provide input and guidance but didn't say much more.


BTW, OKC Foundation handles the funds for lots of local nonprofits. They actually hold and manage the investments for the MBG Foundation.

Also this is rumored to explain the (obvious and widely noted) lack of business leaders championing the new park. Many of downtown's eminent businessmen were passionate about MG. When MG was left out of the room wrt to Central Park, the business community took it as an insult. At least that is how the rumor goes.

Interesting.

As I was thinking about all this, I had asked Maureen about her involvement with the new park and how the foundation may be involved. She very politely said that she is more than willing to provide input and guidance but didn't say much more.


BTW, OKC Foundation handles the funds for lots of local nonprofits. They actually hold and manage the investments for the MBG Foundation.

The Margaret Annis Boys Fund is very landscape oriented... Grant Programs | Oklahoma City Community Foundation (http://occf.org/grantprograms/)

As per Steve an expanded Polar Express train is coming also.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/5365549?embargo=1


Downtown in December is stepping up a notch this year with a carousel and a Polar Express train planned for the Myriad Gardens that will also include a weekly closing of Sheridan Avenue to connect festivities with Saturdays with Santa at Devon Energy Center.
The carousel is being rented from a Missouri operator and will debut Nov. 28. Devon’s annual Saturdays with Santa, meanwhile, will debut that same weekend. This year, however, Sheridan Avenue will be closed between Devon Energy Center and the Myriad Gardens to allow for the festivities to connect both by foot and with an expanded Polar Express train that will have stops at the children’s garden area, the Devon Ice Rink and the Crystal Bridge.

i wish the train could be worked in full-time somehow. Perhaps the new park could have train, carousel, and wheel amusements for the kiddies.

i wish the train could be worked in full-time somehow. Perhaps the new park could have train, carousel, and wheel amusements for the kiddies.

For something full time I think those attractions would fit in much better in the new park. It's fine for a winter attraction but the MBG is already a very active full place all of the year.

Just posted to their FB page; stunning fall colors:

https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1782088_1009376062412233_7872851047589252407_n.jpg ?oh=4a66d3aa919e712699943d7a0e91633b&oe=55155493

Carousel being installed (from https://twitter.com/myriadgardens):

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B3Okgb-CUAASi3P.jpg

I personally think the carousel should be a year round thing. Anybody else agree?

Yes!

I personally think the carousel should be a year round thing. Anybody else agree?

I think maybe on the C2S park, due to having more room, it would be a better fit.

November 25 2014

https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157649414958026/

It probably travels during the summer months. Nice idea, will be taking the grandkids to the garden in December. Lots of hot chocolate.

Photo from Carl Shortt Jr. on Facebook:

https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10435372_10203459007576513_373177538857984480_n.jp g?oh=56f9b75c9ed8397691f90d18710d2e32&oe=551A9F83

Another one from Mr. Shortt, showing the wreath by Odd Fab and the cool photo op spot (between the deer on the presents):

https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1512301_1015230138493492_5182357165082546266_n.jpg ?oh=c20aca6204f31b473637ac59d7010f75&oe=55174C98

Photo from Carl Shortt Jr. on Facebook:

https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10435372_10203459007576513_373177538857984480_n.jp g?oh=56f9b75c9ed8397691f90d18710d2e32&oe=551A9F83

That guy's picture is going to be blurry. The carousel is spinning way too fast...

:wink:

ha. I was thinking the same thing. ....

Nice photo from Oklahoma Tourism's Facebook page.

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/l/t1.0-9/10357591_10152673709859864_7446263532943333640_n.j pg?oh=c385ab132627a0a3c8b013134c936aea&oe=550F8325

- https://www.facebook.com/oklahomatoday/photos/a.382666299863.163753.44681299863/10152673709859864/?type=1

They should have removed the construction cones first...

They should have removed the construction cones first...

Retiny

48 Injured Trees Will Be Uprooted At OKC's Myriad Gardens - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/28233120/48-injured-trees-will-be-uprooted-at-okcs-myriad-gardens)

Someone have a picture of these trees? Are these bigger, and more mature? Ill be a lot more sad if these are some of the trees that dominate the park..

I too, would like to know this.

Myriad Gardens Receives $35K Grant - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/28237571/myriad-gardens-receives-35k-grant)

This isn't major, but if you look at the photo they used the Devon Tower is still under construction That was five years ago. Could they not just send someone down there to snap a picture or perhaps go to Google, search Myriad Gardens, select an image, then get the rights to use it? I suppose just using the stock photos online is easier.

Someone have a picture of these trees? Are these bigger, and more mature? Ill be a lot more sad if these are some of the trees that dominate the park..

Based on the article, I believe these are the trees in question. They are young trees that were planted during the renovation.

http://www.abetterlifeokc.com/images/274_orig.jpg

Those are the trees I was assuming as well.. that isn't as big of a hit as removing the large mature trees to the back of the great lawn. 48 is a big number to replace though.

Myriad Gardens cut down more than 60 damaged trees | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2015/03/03/myriad-gardens-cut-down-more-than-60-damaged-trees/)

Welp. I've been avoiding that route for a while to save having to look at the mud hole that used to be Stage Center. Guess I'll keep coming up and down Robinson until the replanting is done.

Channel 5 reporting vandals have once again put green tint into the MBG lake:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAUkhjdWAAEs7SB.jpg

The solution here is to make all the necessary preparations, dye the lake and promote a St. Paddy's Day event in the Garden.

Honestly I find it embarrassing for them that there was no extra security if this is as big of a deal as the MG authorities makes it out to be.

I wonder if there will be another anonymous donation to pay for "clean up"?

Honestly I find it embarrassing for them that there was no extra security if this is as big of a deal as the MG authorities makes it out to be.

I wonder if there will be another anonymous donation to pay for "clean up"?

Agreed. I felt bad for them last year, but not being prepared to stop it this year is their fault. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

Second year in a row this has happened? LMAO!

OKC cannot afford to police the whole park 24-7 and the larger Central Park will be more arduous.


BTW there is only about 150 people in the park right now.

Channel 5 reporting vandals have once again put green tint into the MBG lake:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAUkhjdWAAEs7SB.jpgok that is absolutely hilarious.

OKC cannot afford to police the whole park 24-7 and the larger Central Park will be more arduous.


BTW there is only about 150 people in the park right now.

Who said anything about 7? They need increase security presence for 1 day out of 365 days. If they didn't make any changes after last year than its their fault.

They didn't turn on all the water features because they thought this might happen. So it's contained to the pond.

What is the big deal? The City should be doing this themselves instead of relying on cultural vigilantes. I like it and think it looks good.

Myriad Gardens tweeted about the water being green in a positive tone. Are we sure this was a prank?

What is the big deal? The City should be doing this themselves instead of relying on cultural vigilantes. I like it and think it looks good.

Myriad Gardens the target of St. Patrick?s Day prank | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2015/03/17/myriad-gardens-the-target-of-st-patricks-day-prank/)

That might be fine if there is no damage. My concern would be about the fish and vegetation.

Myriad Gardens said Tuesday morning the ducks appeared to be afraid of the green water and wouldn't get in until later in the day. However, we know the copper-based dye is not harmful to wildlife.

Vandals Dye Water Green At Myriad Gardens For Second Year In A R - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/28545163/vandals-dye-water-green-at-myriad-gardens-for-second-year-in-a-row)

Maybe this will make for a nice tradition

If I was the Botanical Gardens this is how I would handle this situation.....

Since they have no idea what the vandals are going to use from year to year that could possibly hurt/kill the fish or wildlife, or stain the architecture...... I would simply find the most non-toxic easy to clean up green dye they make and I'd intentionally dye the gardens a day or so in advance of St Patrick's Day as part of (as Stickman mentioned) a new gardens 'tradition.'

If the garden's dyed the water themselves and maybe did some sort of St. Patrick's Day themed kids event for the day, it would remove the desire for vandals to sneak in and dye the water with something potentially dangerous or destructive. Wallah!

*(revision) Sorry, Just-The-Facts, didn't see where you were already on track with this......

There must be something safe enough based on the pictures I'm seeing of Chicago.

They tested the water last year and it was completely safe. As for St. Patrik's Day festivities - they did that yesterday at the water stage, which was one reason so many people were there yesterday. They had Irish dancing and music. It was a really entertaining.

They found the dye pack in the water.. it was safe for the wildlife. the Myriad Gardens said the only draw back is the clean up and since they are a nonprofit that is expensive. But I would think it would fade away in a week so I don't know why there is much of a cleanup cost.

I think they enjoy the anonymous check that follows.

The article says that last year, the "vandals" used an attorney to anonymously donate $9700 for cleanup costs.

Then this year the MG officials say cleanup will cost around $1000. Sounds to me like the gardens profit off of this.

Most in-the-open money laundering scheme ever!!!!

last year it was more wide spread because the water features were on so it wasn't just contained to the pond.

How do they clean this up?

How do they clean this up?

That was what I wondered.. as to why it is expensive to clean up. I would think the dye would fade in a week or so.

I saw workers with what looked like pumps and they were skimming the top sucking the concentrations of dyed water out.

I guess this is where accounting come in. The worker was getting paid no matter what he worked on but on his time sheet he puts 20 hours 'cleaning pond' so they say it costs X dollars to clean it.

I guess this is where accounting come in. The worker was getting paid no matter what he worked on but on his time sheet he puts 20 hours 'cleaning pond' so they say it costs X dollars to clean it.

Which mean all the time that was to be done somewhere else is either delayed, not being done this week, contracted out or done on overtime. Also as mentioned above it was not just one person.

deleted: double post

Snapped this the day it happened.

10458

Which mean all the time that was to be done somewhere else is either delayed, not being done this week, contracted out or done on overtime. Also as mentioned above it was not just one person.

Well, I meant it in the sense that there isn't a direct $1,000 cost that was unbudgeted. For all we know, water skimming is done every month anyhow.

Well, I meant it in the sense that there isn't a direct $1,000 cost that was unbudgeted. For all we know, water skimming is done every month anyhow.

Regardless it is vadalism and work that wouldn't have to be done otherwise. for me I think the green water is kind of fun and should be a tradition and I would bet you could give it a week and it would fade away. but I am not gonna argue that they are inflating cleanup costs when its still vadalism they have to deal with if its not something they planned for.