The Official Newspaper for Foster County

Plans for Carrington Rainbow Gardens updated

Plans continue for the proposed Carrington Rainbow Gardens and Visitors Center with a projected start date of 2024.

Currently, the plans for the Japanese garden are ongoing and evolving. Conversations with a Japanese horticulturist, Sadafumi Uchiyama, are happening at this point. Mr. Uchiyama has been instrumental in the development of a Japanese garden in Fargo, N.D., as well as other states.

As a 501C3 non-profit, the organization is fundraising for the project with a goal of 100% of the funds raised through donations and grants. Donations are welcome and a list of targeted elements of the garden for sponsorship are available. This is not under the umbrella of Carrington city government, but this will be owned and operated by the non-profit entity, Carrington Rainbow Gardens.

The Carrington Rainbow Gardens building will be utilized as a visitor's center and as a gateway to the authentic Japanese Garden. It is for this reason that offices have been included in the building plans. As a visitor's center, there will be employees on site to offer information along with publications and brochures to encourage visits to other points of interest in our community and region.

The history of the original Rainbow Gardens will be a prominent aspect of the visitor's center. People will be directed to visit our local Foster County Museum to learn more about Harry Hayashi and other Carrington/Foster County history. There is also space in the visitor's center to hold meetings and small events.

Previously, the board of directors for the Carrington Rainbow Gardens, along with the Carrington Convention & Visitors Bureau, were interested in pursuing a 1% restaurant (food & beverage) tax to assist with the operation and maintenance cost of the project. The restaurant tax is levied in many communities across North Dakota, which helps fund various projects relating to tourism. At this time, the board is looking at other avenues for funding.

Informational meetings have been held regarding the project and more information is available from any board member or at the Carrington Chamber & EDC office at 871 Main Street.

Board members include: Dennis Swanson, Bob Lipetzky, Roger Gussiaas, Tom Erdmann, Janice Harildstad, Nikki Mertz and Laurie Dietz.