Why is there construction happening in Franklin Park? | Franklin Park Conservatory recently broke ground on Phase One of its Master Plan. The construction has begun on the first facility to be completed in this phase — two wings that will be adjacent to the Palm House and house a new special events venue, a special events entrance, catering area, rooftop gardens, and offices. The new revenue realized from these two wings will allow the Conservatory to increase educational and community programming and make improvements in Franklin Park.
What is the Master Plan? | Franklin Park.s Master Plan is a comprehensive plan for enhancements to Franklin Park and the Conservatory. The Master Plan was developed in 2000 with extensive input from the Columbus community and the surrounding neighborhoods. The plan focuses on preserving, yet transforming, the Conservatory and Franklin Park to ensure long-term sustainability, service to the community and provide needed resources.
What will be constructed in Phase One of the Master Plan? | In addition to the two new Palm House wings, a four-acre Community Garden Campus located in the southeast corner of the park and a new Plant Study and Production Facility just north of the Community Garden Campus will also be constructed during Phase One. Two key components of the new Community Garden Campus will be the renovated Caretaker's House, which will become the Community Garden Center, and an Education Pavilion.
How long will construction last? | Construction on the two wings is expected to end in July 2008. The final timeline for all construction in Phase One has not been finalized but parts of construction will run through 2009.
How will this project improve Franklin Park for me, my family and the community? | Phase one of the Master Plan will have a positive impact on the community in several ways. The revenue realized through the two new Palm House wings will support community and educational programming at the Conservatory. This revenue will also help solidify the organization so that the rest of the Master Plan can be completed in the coming years. The new Community Gardening Campus and the Plant Study and Production Facility will used to help educate children and adults. The Community Gardening Campus will also be a beautiful site where people from the community can see the beauty of plants and learn about gardening, cooking, health and nutrition. The Campus will also be the new home of Growing to Green, the Conservatory's community gardening and beautification program. Growing to Green has helped start more than 120 gardening and beautification projects since 2000 in communities throughout Columbus, including the neighborhoods surrounding Franklin Park.
How is this project being funded? | Funding for construction is being provided by a mix of private (corporations, foundations and individuals) and public (City of Columbus and State of Ohio) sources. The public funding for this project will not increase taxes.
How can I get involved and help make this happen? | Anyone interested individuals or groups can make a donation through this website (see the Giving Opportunities page) or directly to the Conservatory in person or through the mail. Donations should be made to Friends of the Conservatory, which is supporting organization of the Conservatory that raises funds for the operation and enhancement of Franklin Park Conservatory. All donations are tax deductible.
The new Community Gardening Campus and the Plant Production Facility will also offer many new volunteer opportunities for those interested in plants, gardening or just being outside. The Campus will also include community gardening plots that people may rent.
Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns about construction? | Franklin Park Conservatory has initiated a Master Plan Hotline (614-645-5949) as a way for those in the community to receive construction updates and to ask any questions or voice any concerns about the construction. Questions or concerns may also be submitted via email (). Any question or concern will be addressed in a timely manner.
Will there be updates during construction and how will I receive them? | In addition to the Master Plan Hotline, construction updates will be posted on the Updates/News page of this website. If you would like to receive updates via email, you may submit your email address through that page.
Will Franklin Park be open to the public during construction? | Franklin Park and the Conservatory will be open to the public during construction. Construction will be conducted to have the least amount of impact on neighborhood visitors and visitors to the park and the Conservatory.
Will any streets need to be closed during construction? | No streets will be closed during any part of the construction process. There will be a lane closure on Franklin Park South at one point during construction. The lane closure will not last more than 5 days and likely less. Notice of this lane closure will appear in the construction updates.
Can my neighborhood association answer questions about the project? | Your neighborhood association should be a great source of information about this project. Franklin Park Conservatory has been working with neighborhood associations serving those communities around Franklin to provide detailed and timely information about construction and all phases of the project. Many of these associations have a representative on the Conservatory's Neighborhood Advisory Committee.