HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 04 - Nash Farm Hours of Operation• •M • •'A: • •• • •
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: NASH FARM HOURS OF OPERATION
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council consider a policy establishing hours for Nash Farm. It is recommended that
the hours for Nash Farm be 9 am — 5 pm, seven days a week, closed on all City
holidays, as well as an additional two weeks in February for annual repairs, in-depth
maintenance and construction projects.
10,3041Kel it
Since beginning the restoration project to develop Nash Farm into the greatest
educational center for turn of the century living on the Grape Vine Prairie, much
progress has been made. See the attached accomplishment/progress list.
The amended Land Use Restrictions Agreement states, "At least two entries shall be
open to the public a minimum of eight hours per day for all days except for special
events. The schedule for public access to Nash Farm shall be established after a public
hearing before the City Council."
Staff recommends approval of suggested hours of operation.
August 27, 2014 (11:14AM)
NASH FARM PROGRESS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
One of the first areas of accomplishment is Staffing and Management.
• Nash Farm Manager position created to oversee operations, facilities, staffing
and programming.
• Volunteer Farmhand program instituted and period clothing guidelines
established.
• Training programs and workshops helped ensure that our volunteers had tools
they needed to connect our guests with heritage resources.
• Interpretive Host Contractor brought special skills to events and programs that
were greatly needed.
• Standard Operating Procedures for livestock care, tours and heritage
demonstrations developed for management of resources.
• Regular staff logs document livestock care, building maintenance and grounds
maintenance.
• Reports provide tracking for interpretive programs, volunteer hours and revenue.
A critical accomplishment area is Interpretive and Educational Programming.
• The Grapevine Heritage Foundation acquired period appropriate furnishings for
the Nash Farmhouse.
• Research was conducted to provide accurate information about the Nash Family
and their farming practices.
• Interpretive Panels and Signs were designed and the Self -guided Walking Tour
Brochure was updated to help guests connect with the resources of the site.
• The schedule of events and programs was increased to 35, offering more
opportunities for citizens and visitors to better understand Grapevine's rich
heritage.
• Group Tour Program for students and adults outlined to engage audiences.
• An agricultural plan to acquire heritage breeds of livestock and plant heirloom
crops was developed and implemented.
Equally important has been the accomplishment of Sustainable Revenue.
• Nash Farm and CVB Marketing Staff have collaborated to create marketing that
invites people to experience rural life in our urban setting.
• Two annual special events that draw thousands to Nash Farm were managed to
cover costs and generate revenue for future events.
• Participation Fees for group tours, First Friday at the Farm Program and
Farmhouse on the Grape Vine Prairie Program at an affordable $3 per person
established.
• Adult Heritage Education Workshops requiring more skill and providing
enrichment to our visitors lives created for the affordable fee of $15 per person.
• Facility Rentals and Photographer Memberships also bring in additional revenue
that helps to fund the programs that benefit Nash Farm.
• Sponsorships have been acquired that continue to keep costs low to participants.
August 27, 2014 (11:14AM)
Finally, accomplishments of Facility Restoration and Maintenance have preserved this
important historic site.
• The Farmhouse foundation was re -leveled and graded to prevent water from
going underneath the structure.
• The Historic Windmill was repaired demonstrate the use of valuable water
resources.
• The Historic Soil Conservation Building was moved to farm property, restored and
utilized as an exhibit, training facility, meeting space and office.
• A historically appropriate fence was built to maintain livestock, exhibits and
prevent trespassing or vandalism.
• Historic Barn restoration of two storage cribs for feed and modern tools
completed to better serve daily operations.
• The Livestock Corral was extended to care for current and future animals.
• A plan for ADA Trails that provide service to all of the main buildings on the
property developed for implementation.
The Future of Nash Farm:
The next phase of developing Nash Farm into the greatest turn of the century heritage
farm and learning center means that the overall public use policy must be better defined.
In order for the policy to be effective, public usage and staffing may require revision and
growth. A detailed public use policy will be drafted by staff based on the input received
from the City Council and comments delivered during this public hearing.
August 27, 2014 (11:14AM)