Department of Parks and Recreation
Facts on FY2010 Budget Proposal Regarding Gulf Branch Nature Center
Moving Gulf Branch Nature Center programming to Potomac Overlook Park and other sites is a cost-efficient alternative during difficult economic times.
Most programming will move to Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 1.6 miles from Gulf Branch Nature Center.
- Arlington County will continue to operate Long Branch Nature Center and have nature programs at Potomac Overlook, allowing the community to enjoy two great nature centers in Arlington. Nature programs will also be available at Ft. CF Smith, community centers and parks.
- The house that serves as Gulf Branch Nature Center is aging, in poor repair, not accessible to people with disabilities and was not built to serve as a nature center. The intent is to demolish the building but other options can be considered.
- 2008 Facility Condition Assessment report recommends the County spend $121,535 on the Nature Center building for facility maintenance by the end of 2010; $71,000 have been spent to date.
- Additional, undetermined costs would be incurred to make the building ADA compliant.
- Arlington is not immune to the economic crisis confronting the nation. Fifty-eight program and service reductions are included in the Proposed FY 2010 Budget. Cuts in staff, administrative overhead and other expenses have been spread across County departments.
Gulf Branch and its nature programs will continue to serve the community
- Programming in the Gulf Branch Nature Center building will be offered at least until the summer of 2009.
- If the County Board approves the budget proposal, County staff will implement a transition plan for the center’s closure to minimize the impact on the current users.
- Land and trails adjoining Gulf Branch will continue to be County parkland and continue to be a resource for nature programs and community enjoyment.
- Blacksmith shop and log cabin on Gulf Branch grounds will remain, and so will their programming.
- All animals now housed in the Gulf Branch Nature Center will be re-housed elsewhere in the County.
Potomac Overlook Nature Center offers many advantages
- Potomac Overlook Nature Center is managed by Arlington County’s long-term partner, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. NVRPA is a nationally recognized park agency, which is funded by and serves Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax.
- Potomac Overlook Nature Centers sits on 70 acres of woodland and houses displays and live animal exhibits. The Naturalist staff conducts programs on ecology, local natural history, Indian history and energy for schools, groups and the general public. It is free to the public. NVRPA is paying for $175,000 in upgrades in the coming months.
- Aside from the traditional components of nature center exhibits and programming, Potomac Overlook has global warming, energy efficiency and renewable energy education programs, which complement Arlington County’s Fresh AIRE Initiative.
Only one position at the Gulf Branch Nature Center is recommended for elimination
- To present a balanced budget, 105 tax-supported positions have been cut in the Proposed FY2010 budget, including the Gulf Branch Nature Center Director position. All other nature center staff will continue to support County nature programs.
- All County staff whose position has been impacted by budget cuts have been invited to apply for open positions within the County. If a transfer is not possible or preferred by staff, a voluntary separation packages has been offered that is 50% larger than normal.
The FY 2010 Budget will undergo an intense process of public and Board reviews
- The County Manager submitted his Proposed FY 2010 Budget to the Board in February.
- Commission chairs will meet with the Board on March 19 to share their input.
- There are two public hearings on the budget, March 24 and 25, to obtain community suggestions. You can also contact County’s Parks and Recreation Commission to share your suggestions on the budget.
- Arlington County Board adopts a budget on April 28, 2009.
- Learn more about the FY2010 Proposed Budget.
COST SAVINGS
The amount of cost savings from closing Gulf Branch Nature center would be $132,057.
