Even though the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state has grown in the past week, Garvan Woodland Gardens has hosted thousands of visitors during that time and instituted more policies and procedures in an effort to keep patrons safe.
Bob Bledsoe, executive director, said that the botanical garden's officials have been looking over the past week for "ways to make a better" experience for visitors while enforcing social distancing.
"Turnout has been really supportive," he said, noting that while he doesn't have final numbers, he speculates the garden has had "around 3,000 folks through the gate" since they initially began making COVID-19 related changes.
Bledsoe said most of the visitors have been from Hot Springs and surrounding areas, but noted the overall number of visitors is low for this time of year.
"Probably off a pretty good percentage," he said, noting they aren't seeing a lot of out-of-state visitors.
"In the past, during spring, we'd see" visitors from Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, he said. There aren't quite as many this year, he said, "which is understandable."
A big draw for the botanical garden this time of year is the Tulip Festival, Bledsoe said, and there is "probably another seven to 10 days of Tulip Fest." If there is a hard rain, the tulip's petals could come off quicker, he said.
In the last week, Garvan has closed all of its buildings except for the restrooms. In addition to keeping guests 6 feet apart, Bledsoe said closing these buildings "keeps our disinfectant supplies healthy."
The closures affect Anthony Chapel and the Chapel Complex, the Welcome Center and Gift Shop, and the Bonsai Learning Center. The golf cart tours closed until further notice.
Bledsoe noted that, as far as he knows, all weddings at the garden have been rescheduled.
Another change they have implemented is customers who want to become a member, or to renew membership, must now either do it over the phone or online.
"We closed our offices, and we didn't want people standing at windows, filling out paperwork, standing in close proximity to our cashiers," Bledsoe said.
To enter the garden, guests have to pay admission at a booth out front. To lessen the amount of money being passed back and forth, guests must now pay either with a credit card, or with the exact amount of money for admission.
At the booth, there are "marks down every 6 feet, to keep social distancing," Bledsoe said.
Garvan's hours have also changed from their usual 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to only being open noon until 6 p.m., which Bledsoe said happened "just because of staffing" shortages.
Bledsoe said he is happy the garden is still open, noting it is a "delightful place to get some exercise."
Local on 03/28/2020