Arboretum reports record attendance and revenue; councilors press for cost accountability on Longhouse operations

Jeremy Myers, assistant parks and recreation director, and Drew Rivera, manager of the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, presented the facility’s 2024 annual report and outlined operations, revenue and volunteer activity.

Staff said the facility recorded roughly 88,000 visitors in 2024 (about 518 per day based on days open), with substantial growth in event attendance and rentals. The presentation credited the new Longhouse operations and expanded programming for increases in rentals (rental revenue rose from roughly $7,250 two years ago to about $169,000 in the reported year), membership revenue (from about $18,000 to $78,000) and retail and cafe sales (gift shop sales grew from about $37,000 to $102,000; cafe sales rose from about $66,000 to $104,000). Staff said volunteers contributed roughly 26,500 hours in the year and that 22 volunteers have given more than 2,000…