Saratoga News

Hakone Foundation to take over the Japanese gardens

City would save some $140,000

By Sarah Lombardo

A final agreement between the City of Saratoga and the Hakone Foundation for the takeover of the gardens has been hammered out and is expected to be approved by the City Council in early June. The agreement outlines the plan by which the foundation will take over management of the Japanese gardens and their expenses, and the city will assume responsibility for loan payments associated with the gardens and upkeep of the road and parking area at the gardens.

Interim City Manager Larry Perlin said the agreement is a good one, and he expects that it will receive final approval from the council June 4.

"We resolved all the issues that need to be decided," he said. "It looks very doable."

The agreement has already been unanimously approved by the Hakone Foundation. Board Treasurer Daryl Becker said board members are excited about the prospect of managing the gardens, if somewhat apprehensive.

"The main question always is 'Do we have enough money?' and I think I have been able to convince them that we will be solid," he said. "Of course, with any change, there is apprehension, but I think everyone is anxious for it."

Board President Kay Duffy agreed. "We're concerned how we're going to make this work efficiently, but I think there is a lot of excitement and a lot of confidence there," she said. "It's a big step."

Plans for the foundation to take over Hakone management have been in the works in theory for years, members said, but it wasn't until earlier this year that the foundation approached the city. Becker said with the cash-strapped city looking to save money, and the foundation on solid ground, it seemed like good timing.

The city stands to save more than $140,000 in operations and personnel costs with Hakone Foundation management of the gardens.

Perhaps that it why the process of reaching an agreement moved so fast, Duffy said.

"It's seemed to move pretty quickly considering the speed by which these things go," Duffy said. "I think [council members] are anxious to get it out of their budget, and we are anxious for a little more control."

Hakone Gardens has been a city-owned park since 1966, when the city bought it to protect it from development. The garden which includes buildings that date back to 1918 and a reproduction of a 19th-century Japanese merchant's home, is also home to the Saratoga Bamboo Society. Recently, the foundation has been promoting its conference center in an effort to expand its revenue sources.

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