For the first time in 10 years, the Denver Botanic Gardens is planning to raise its rates. The Gardens submitted a draft fee table to the Denver City Council this week.
If approved, all rates will go up 20 percent, moving the base adult rate from $12.50 to $15. Seniors, students, military, youth and children will still receive discounts. The maximum rates for rentals on event facilities will not change.
Visiting the Botanic Gardens is one of the lowest-priced cultural activities in Denver, and it will stay that way even with a rate hike.
"This rare increase still keeps us on the lower end of the spectrum while still helping us manage an increase in operation costs," said Brian Vogt, the CEO for the Gardens.
The increase in operating costs is primarily due to payments on the Gardens' new parking garage.
"You can't really get a lot of donors for a parking structure," Vogt said.
The City of Denver does not own the Botanic Gardens, but due to a long-standing cooperative agreement between the gardens and the city, City Council has to approve any rate increases.
