When its lease with Gainesville Parks & Recreation was not renewed for the Linwood Ecology Center, the board of the Redbud Project began seeking alternative homes. The Redbud Project, a 501 (c) 3, has occupied the building at Linwood Park for more than a decade, offering educational and environmental outreach to the community.
The decision was made as part of Gainesville Parks & Recreation’s long-range planning.
“As we looked to nearing the completion of our 2030 Master Plan created in 2020, Parks & Recreation’s vision for the next ten years is to broaden our programming offerings to families, youth and citizens,” said Kate Mattison, director of Gainesville Parks & Recreation. Our 2030 Master Plan was focused on parks & facilities and have made great strides in our improvements: completing projects like The Coop, Midland Greenway renovation, Engine 209 Park, Wessell Park Improvements, and many more. It’s time now to focus on programming.”
“Redbud Project is grateful for this ‘nudge’ to move forward and strengthen and sustain our non-profit, 501c3 organization to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” said Margaret Rasmussen, founder and executive director of Red Bud Project through an email to Lakeside News.
Mattison continued, “We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the Redbud project for quite some time, but as we move into a new long-range planning, our vision is to broaden our programming offerings. As we move into spring and create our next ten-year plan, people will be learning more of the details. Some of the improvements our community might see ongoing right now are at Roper Park, the Longwood Pavilion renovation and continuing the Midland Greenway trail system. Future improvements include adding a recreation center so that we have true indoor space for youth and adult programming.
Redbud Project will have vacated the building by the end of December.
Rasmussen’ email continued: “Despite setbacks with the city’s action, Redbud Project remains committed to our community-based conservation movement of concerned citizens, who are scouring Hall County for a site to relocate administration and operations, temporarily or permanently, by December 31,” the email continued. “Redbud Project moves forward stronger and more committed, encouraged by wisdom of the late anthropologist Margaret Mead: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ ”
“Gainesville Parks & Recreation remains supportive of Redbud Project and are willing to help with this transition in any way that we can,” Mattison said. “We wish them the best of luck as they continue important work in our community.”
