Nature Illuminated lights at Monk Gardens in Wausau, WI. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — Board Members for Wausau Botanical Gardens will meet on Monday to go over feedback they’ve received regarding the recently announced name change for their facility.
WAOW TV reports that members of the board have been cataloging the feedback to “survey the entirety of the community response and [reaching] out to stakeholders to elicit input,” according to a statement released by Board President Paul David.
Executive Director Darcie Howard “We [are] gathering all of the input, reviewing it and considering appropriate action in the interest of maintaining the vision of a perpetual botanical garden.”
Howard and the board announced the name change in late April, saying it would give the garden a regional identity. But members of the Robert Monk family, the man who donated the land that would become the public garden and nature area, say that it diminishes his vision and purpose for the land.
A press release for the announcement included words of support from the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce and Visit Wausau Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. The release also said the facility would not forget the Monk family, dedicating space and media at the planned visitor’s center to them and beginning every tour with the Monk’s story.
But that didn’t quash the backlash in the last seven days, with many calling the move a slap in the face to the Monk family and Robert’s intentions for the property. Some family members have published op-ed pieces in local newspapers including Wausau Pilot and Review expressing frustration with the board and calling for the leaders to reconsider.
The cries became so loud that managers of the Garden’s Facebook page turned off comments on some posts.
Monday’s meeting is not open to the public or the media. It’s unclear if the board will release a statement following the meeting.
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