Concerns raised on proposed pavilion at Green Spring Gardens
Members of the gardening community raised some concerns about the Park Authority’s plan for a large pavilion at Green Spring Gardens at a meeting on the project on Feb. 6.
The 30 by 35-square-foot pavilion would be big enough to hold 100 people. It would be used as an outdoor classroom for school field trips and other educational programs.
The total cost of the structure – $250,000 – would be completely paid for by the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS).
A major concern among those at the well-attended meeting is the pavilion’s impact on the nearby stream valley and woodlands. The pavilion would have a concrete floor and would be sited on a slope next to the edible garden.
Related story: Pavilion planned for Green Spring Gardens
A statement by a local gardener who complained that the pavilion would result in runoff into the stream and harm the wetlands ecosystem drew applause from the audience. Others said it would be out of place next to the gardens and would block the path to the lower area
The project manager, Doug Tipsword, said the pavilion is not in the Turkeycock Run resource protection area and would not impact an existing nearby culvert. He said gutters and rain barrels would be installed to collect rainwater for use in the gardens.
One attendee who supports the pavilion said it’s needed because the Horticultural Center doesn’t have enough space for the many children’s activities the park hosts. In 2024, more than 5,000 children visited Green Spring Gardens on school field trips.
Others questioned whether the pavilion is a done deal. “Nothing is set in stone,” Tipsword responded. Although FROGS envisions a simple structure with a split roof, Park Authority staff displayed several alternate design options.
FROGS also earmarked $50,000 for electricity and water at the pavilion. Whether that will happen depends on which design is selected and how much it costs.
Comments will be accepted online through Feb. 28.
10 responses to “Concerns raised on proposed pavilion at Green Spring Gardens”
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Goodness.. our country is in chaos and people still find something to complain about. Build the pavilion, let the kids learn about and enjoy nature. We have bigger fish to fry.
Yes, we need to educate a new generation to respect our planet and love the out of doors. The pavilion will help do that!
They certainly do not have all 5000 children at once. I have been there where kids classes were there and they rarely have grouos of mre than 50 kids at a time. They can manage the number of kids visiting through scheduling. The visitor center has a large all purpose room and a largw library that are both empty 99% of the time. When kids are there they aee running around outaide or using the picnic tables in the kids’ garden area for outdoor activities. If they really need a new pavillion, take out the three worthless, ugly sample townhouse gardebs thatvare useless wrecks already and site the pavillion there. BTW I am a Life member of FROGS. It seems plants are giving way to more photo opportunitt moongates and ither hardscaping and not enough attention is going to the plants.
Athena that is not true. There were over 25 field trips within the 2024 calendar year that had 100+ people (kids and parents and teachers) attending at Green Spring Gardens. These are large events that completely take over the indoor spaces at GSG. And when it rains? the extra kids are put into the glasshouse. Having a covered pavilion would be incredibly helpful in providing a space for these kids to go.
I like the idea of placing the pavilion where the town house gardens are currently located. I walk at the park frequently and rarely see people sitting there. They once served a useful purpose, but now the pavilion would be a better use of space. It would also be located in a cooler area, somewhat shaded.
Some people are so phobic of change. I’m sick of them
They should focus more on stopping dog owners who try to make GS gardens into an off leash dog park. Love garden and the volunteers. But disappointed by dog owners too lazy to visit designated dog parks, pick up after their dog, keep dog out of the beds, or marking the beds and trails to the detriment of plantings and other wildlife
Maybe the county at your expense could install diaper dispensing stations along the trails
You sound like an expert on this topic
I suggest that the proposed outdoor Pavilion replace the Town House gardens. As a frequent park visitor I have rarely seen anyone using these gardens. This site would fit most of the criteria for the original Pavilion placement such as close to the Horticultural Center, toilets, walkway, chair storage and is even further away from overall park sightline.
Is there any requirement for changes to Park property which increase revenue or traffic triggering a parking utilization review?
Please review the NEWLY renovated ladies bathroom in the Horticultural Center. There is a handicapped toilet and a regular toilet. The regular toilet stall has a reduced width of 26 inches due to two large boxes for toilet paper projecting from one wall. Amazingly awkward to use and any woman who is pregnant, a larger lady or older and less flexible will have difficulty using this toilet. The overall stall measurements may technically meet plumbing code but in practice it does not.