Reiman Gardens is in my “neighborhood.” I have watched it develop with wonder and pleasure and pride.It is often the destination of frequent walks and bike rides and exploration trips when my children and grandchildren visit. Many times after hosting a summer dinner, my guests and I, enjoying our companionship, have walked to Reiman Gardens to see “what’s up.” On these visits there are always people enjoying the solitude and beauty — an elderly woman is there to read the newspaper, a student is curled on a bench with his books, a couple is absorbed in each other — bees are buzzing, the fountains are bubbling, and the sweet smell of roses and the laughter of excited children floats on the air.Regrettably, but necessarily (perhaps), Reiman became enclosed with a fence and gate, and soon, if the proposed plan becomes effective, a gatekeeper. Will Reiman and the public it serves really benefit by the prices it proposes to charge, or will the prices only result in limiting access?It would be best to begin with a contribution box at the entrance requesting a desired donation. Give this plan respectable time to generate revenue. If more income is needed the next step would be to charge a fee, but begin with 50 cents per person so that all our local citizens and the city’s many visitors can afford to enter often with their friends and families. Consider beginning a family membership at $25 instead of $50; consider charging more for access to the buildings; consider seeking corporate sponsorship. We know that Reiman Gardens must generate income to function, but let’s not set the price so high it becomes unaffordable to enjoy.After all, Ames is a relatively small community and Reiman Gardens is really in everyone’s neighborhood.Jaye Stefani

Resident

Ames