Below you will find sample statements to consider using for visitors, vendors, special events, or to Staff/Volunteers. They were developed after seeing dozens of examples of these statements by gardens, cultural arts venues, conventions and conferences, and peer Associations.
They are meant to be modified for your particular situation in response to ongoing questions and save you the effort of crafting your own from scratch. Previous guide versions reflect language for gardens remaining open. This version addresses observed language used in contracts and when all or part of the gardens are closed
Sample Force Majeure Clause:
(Insert in new contracts; look for in existing ones)
FORCE MAJEURE:
If the contract becomes impossible to perform by either party due to but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorist acts, government regulation, natural disaster, strikes, civil disorder, curtailment of transportation facilities (which prohibit 25% or more people from attending the event), disease outbreak and pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization, issuance of a travel warning for the city where the hotel is located by the US State Department or other emergencies or other emergencies making it inadvisable, illegal, unsafe or impossible to provide the facilities or to hold the meeting, this Contract may be terminated with written notice.
Sample COVID-19 Coronavirus Statement [Partially Open]
for gardens to direct to visitors on website and/or in social media:
As part of Coronavirus (COVID-19) response planning, the [Visitor Center, Restaurant, Conservatory, specific gardens, entire garden, etc.] are closed to the public until [Specific Date]. Our landscape remains open to the public to enjoy [or – we encourage you to get outside and appreciate plants and nature wherever you are able to. More information regarding our COVID-19 planning and updates can be found [here – insert link].
Sample COVID-19 Coronavirus Statement [Totally Closed]
for gardens to direct to visitors on website and/or in social media:
Gardens Temporarily Closed
In light of [State] and the National State of Emergency Declaration we are complying a mandate to close the garden, out of an abundance of caution and concern, as well as to fulfill our garden’s role in doing its part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce healthcare system impacts during the pandemic.
The garden will be closed until [ex. March 27], subject to re-evaluation and the lifting or extension of mandates. We expect to open as quickly as possible afterwards and hope to see you then.
Gardens Temporarily Closed
Sadly, our garden is temporarily closed and we apologize for the inconvenience. We are doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Essential staff remain who are safely maintaining the garden and those who are working remotely continue some garden business. We are committed to assisting all employees and volunteers affected.
The garden expects to resume operations on [date] or the earliest possible date given these challenging circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
