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DDA approves 2026 budget with $250,000 for beautification amid greenhouse debate
Summary
The Woodland Park DDA adopted its 2026 budget including $250,000 for beautification and $150,000 for the microgrant program; board members debated building a greenhouse versus contracting for plants and discussed possible future increases to the grant pool.
The Woodland Park Downtown Development Authority approved its proposed 2026 budget on Oct. 7, allocating $250,000 for beautification, $150,000 for the microgrant program and a $25,000 professional‑services line to match a pedestrian study, while board members debated a proposed greenhouse and program expansion.
Aaron, a city staff member, presented the budget estimates and said initial cost quotes for a greenhouse are about $125,000 for construction and site work; staff recommended the $250,000 beautification line to cover greenhouse startup costs, plant purchases, maintenance and related services for the first year. Aaron said the $250,000 figure also includes maintenance and service work for installed baskets and planters.
Board members expressed different views on the greenhouse proposal. One member with greenhouse experience warned of recurring maintenance needs — humidity control, insect management and mechanical ventilation — and suggested the capital and operating costs could be substantially higher than early quotes. That member said a realistic, winter‑capable greenhouse assembly with sufficient thermal performance and mechanical ventilation could multiply the cost beyond initial estimates.
Others suggested alternatives and partnerships: contracting with an established grower, using the city’s purchasing power for bulk plant purchases, partnering with regional organizations such as the Butterfly Pavilion or Colorado Springs utilities’ xeriscaping resources, or phasing greenhouse work over several years. Aaron said staff had sought quotes and spoken with local growers; staff also noted a nearby couple that currently grows many of the downtown hanging‑basket plants and is willing to support maintenance.
On a motion to approve the budget as presented and amended in discussion, the board voted yes; the vote recorded K. Alborn, John Gamelki, David Mihaddis, George Jones and Sarah Salazar as voting in favor.
Why it matters: the beautification line will fund downtown plantings, baskets, maintenance and potential greenhouse startup costs. Decisions this year shape how the DDA delivers flowers and landscaping — whether by contracting with growers, buying plants wholesale or building and operating an in‑town greenhouse — and affect ongoing operating budgets.
What’s next: staff will finalize budget documents for council review and return with implementation details and RFP proposals if the greenhouse or contracted‑grower route is pursued. Board members suggested continuing discussion on greenhouse siting, water/gray‑water use and long‑term operating plans in future meetings.
