A NEW NORMAL

A NEW NORMAL

The coronavirus crisis has dominated our lives. Most of the news is negative. Our hearts break when we hear of people, sometimes friends and family, falling victim to this awful disease. Yet, in the midst of dealing with the crisis, there are moments of joy and inspiration. Frequently, I receive emails from you, our members, expressing appreciation for our efforts to reach out using technology to bring our mission of joy to others. Most of these emails conclude with words of encouragement and a strong desire to visit Meijer Gardens. These acts of kindness are appreciated. Here is an example of how a simple card has been uplifting to me during the closure. I received a card via U.S. Mail from a dear friend and volunteer. The front cover pictures a cartoon character with a broad smile and arms stretched out to their maximum. Below the picture, a caption reads: “This really isn’t a card…” When you open the card the words almost jump off the page and read: “…It’s a hug in an envelope.” The card stays on my desk to inspire me.

We are also inspired by the front-line workers in the medical, food and essential life-supporting industries. Our gratitude to them is deep, and we use this inspiration to help prepare Meijer Gardens for the day when we are allowed to reopen.

For the first time in our 25-year history, Seasons is being published digitally. We anticipate this will be a one-time event, unless the crisis continues for an extended period of time. The decision was necessitated by the shortened timeline available to publish accurate information, the reduction in editorial material due to the cancellation of classes, camps, and events, and the inability to publish an artist line-up for the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens and the Tuesday Evening Music Club. We are also saving printing and mailing costs at a time of severe financial pressure.

You may be wondering about the status of our concerts. In response to the ongoing pandemic, it is with deep disappointment and a heavy heart that we announced the cancellation of the 2020 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens. Concerts that were announced earlier this year have all been canceled. If it is possible, we will present a modified version of the Tuesday Evening Music Club. The safety of our guests, volunteers, staff and touring crews is our top priority. We are exploring options to present local and regional performers should the COVID-19 situation improve, and it is deemed safe to do so later this year.

We are preparing our galleries for the George Segal: Body Language exhibition. All the artwork for the show arrived before the requirements to shut down were issued. Segal was remarkably versatile in representing body language across different media. The discoveries you make while enjoying the exhibition will help increase understanding and appreciation of the artwork by George Segal which we are blessed to have in our permanent collection. We are deeply appreciative of the Segal family for allowing us to present this show. The exhibition will be ready to go as soon as possible after the inperson work restrictions and closure rules allow our staff to return.

To state the obvious, being closed has been difficult. But as we were preparing to finalize this issue, we received the great news that we will be allowed to reopen in a limited capacity on Monday, June 8. Meijer Gardens is designed to welcome all people. Each of my visits to one of our gardens is a painful reminder, as the only thing missing from the gardens has been you. We are able to have our horticulture staff here tending to the plants and making everything ready for your return. Yes, I have a very biased point-of-view, but the gardens are looking magnificent.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of Meijer Gardens through your membership and thoughts while we are closed. It is essential.

Gratefully,

David S. Hooker, President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park