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Staffing Model The developments described above provide important guidance for staffing at Hendricks Park in several key areas: Staffing Level Implementation of the FMP demonstrates that the current staffing level at Hendricks Park is inadequate to carry out this ambitious plan. The increased requirements of forest restoration and Native Plant Garden development divert resources from the Rhododendron Garden and spread existing staff too thin. FoHP and other volunteer efforts, along with temporary workers are essential and helpful, but still not enough. Additional FTE is needed, but not likely given the city's current budget difficulties. Absent more permanent staff, it is critical to maximize the productive use of the current staff and desirable to gain the assistance of additional POS resources during key maintenance periods. The use of temps, work -study students, and volunteers must be maintained and possibly expanded in light of the understaffing situation, or the Park's condition will decline and POS will face adverse public reaction, as there is a high expectation for this "crown jewel." Dedicated Staff The past success in enhancing and maintaining Hendricks Park is a result of having a dedicated staff with: • a passion for the Park — people for whom this is a labor of love and not just a job • place knowledge — a thorough knowledge of the entire Park in terms of its ecosystem, gardens, plants, infrastructure, and operations. It is absolutely essential to preserve both the passion and place knowledge going forward. The existing staff work well together and have extensive knowledge and experience that is vital to achieving FMP goals and preserving this valuable community resource. "Existing staff' includes temps, work -study workers and volunteers — many of whom have multiple years of experience and commitment to the Park. Therefore a high priority should be placed on keep the existing dedicated staff intact and based at Hendricks Park. FoHP is planning for more volunteer efforts to support regular Park staff. The ability to coordinate volunteer activities at Hendricks Park with dedicated staff on a regular basis is vital. Staff who have knowledge and passion provide both motivation and education to volunteers, which is key to ongoing participation of volunteers. Another critical aspect of knowledgeable dedicated staff is positive neighborhood relations and community outreach, given that Hendricks Park is such a treasured asset for a broad community and generations of families with fond memories of experiences in the Park. A sense of history as well as place knowledge is so helpful, as people constantly ask questions about the history of plants and other park related topics.