Dahlia test garden project proposed for North Park

The City of Wayland once was known as the Dahlia City and even had a Dahlia Festival in the 1990s, and the local Main Street program has a proposal to bring some of that back.

Vicki Gless, representing Main Street, brought a proposal to the City Council Monday night for a Dahlia test garden project for 37 beds on the south end of what is now called North Park, across the street from the Michigan State Police post.

“It’s a good fit for us,” Gless said. “It’s a nod to the past and a way to provide a venue for cultural activities.”

She said Main Street has been working with the Dahlia Society and the Hosta, Daylillies and Iris societies , which are enthusiastic in their support and cooperation.

Gless said about $10,000 would be needed for startup and completion of the project has an estimated cost of $59,000, and that might be the biggest roadblock.

“Gardening is the No. 1 pastime all over the world,” Gless told the council, adding such a demonstration garden likely would attract tourism. “You mioght expect to see tour buses come to Wayland. And when the garden comes to fruition, it will be lovely and coule be a big asset to this area.”

She added that property values nearby likely would go up.

The city would be asked to provide services for mowing and scheduling tour events. She also said fencing would be needed to fens off dogs and rabbits.

City Manager Joshua Eggleston expressed cautious optimism, saying it’s not a good idea to put the city on the financial hook for such a project and noted the land, owned by the Johnson family of United Bank fame, would be taken off the tax rolls. He said water costs could be significant as well and parking in the area will present a problem.

Eggleston said the city’s 2018-19 budget is close to being adopted without any provision yet for the project.

Councilman Tim Rose noted athletic fields for rocket football and youth soccer programs are dwindling in number, so he’s worried about encroaching on a field used often by those two local programs. He was told the garden would be on the south side of the park, away from where youth athletes have practices.

Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said, “We need to figure out a way to make this project move forward. We need to look at all of our options. I love this idea, but not not the $59,000.”

The council agreed to give its blessing to permit the plans to proceed without any financial commitment. Gless said Main Street and the flower societies will do some research on way to get funding through avenues as grants and donations.