File #: 15-0147    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 1/13/2015 In control: Finance Committee
On agenda: 1/20/2015 Final action: 3/10/2015
Title: PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN TO INCREASE SEASONAL PARKING FEES FOR NON-MEMBERS WHEREAS, the Chicago Botanic Garden ("the Garden") has remained one of the top attractions in Cook County; and WHEREAS, in 2005, the Garden attracted a total of 697,000 guests; and WHEREAS, in 2014, attendance at the Garden surpassed the one-million-visit-benchmark with 1,058,000 visits, an increase of 6% over 2013 and a 52% increase since 2005; and WHEREAS, although the number of guests have increased, the Garden has never charged an admission fee; and WHEREAS, the Garden is one of the only major cultural institutions in the Chicagoland area to not charge an admission fee; and WHEREAS, while the Garden is extremely proud of the increased attendance numbers, this success frequently becomes a detriment to the visitor experience and Garden-wide commitment to outstanding customer service; and WHEREAS, weekend visitorship has increased, guests waiting to...
Sponsors: GREGG GOSLIN, LARRY SUFFREDIN
title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
 
AUTHORIZING THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN TO INCREASE SEASONAL PARKING FEES FOR NON-MEMBERS
 
 
WHEREAS, the Chicago Botanic Garden ("the Garden") has remained one of the top attractions in Cook
County; and
 
WHEREAS, in 2005, the Garden attracted a total of 697,000 guests; and
 
WHEREAS, in 2014, attendance at the Garden surpassed the one-million-visit-benchmark with  1,058,000 visits, an increase of 6% over 2013 and a 52% increase since 2005; and
 
WHEREAS, although the number of guests have increased, the Garden has never charged an admission
fee; and
 
WHEREAS, the Garden is one of the only major cultural institutions in the Chicagoland area to not charge an admission fee; and
 
WHEREAS, while the Garden is extremely proud of the increased attendance numbers, this success frequently becomes a detriment to the visitor experience and Garden-wide commitment to outstanding customer service; and
 
WHEREAS, weekend visitorship has increased, guests waiting to enter the garden experience lengthy delays and the Garden's 1,200 parking spaces are quickly filled; and
 
WHEREAS, in an effort to meet this challenge and encourage guests to visit the Garden on days other than weekends the Garden requests support for a seasonal parking rate increase of $5.00 for non-members on the weekends and holidays from April 1st  through October 31st; and
 
WHEREAS, members of the Garden do not pay a parking fee; and
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of the Cook County
Forest Preserve District authorizes the Chicago Botanic Garden to increase its parking fee for Non-Members by $5.00 on weekends and holidays from April 1st to October 31st.
end