Three months after assuming operations at the Olcott Park Greenhouse in Virginia, a group of about 60 community volunteer are rooted in their aspirations to grow interest and community use of the northernmost conservatory in the United States.

"We want this to become a winter oasis for people," said Ted Grishaber, secretary of the non-profit group Friends of the Greenhouse. "We'd like to make it a place where people can come in year-round, use wi-fi, read, and relax."

Renovation begins in a few weeks on construction of a handicapped accessible restroom. The restroom, which replaces aging restroom facilities down a steep staircase in the basement of the greenhouse, will make the greenhouse more attractive to visitors, allow the facility to be used for community events, and improve sustainability said Grishaber.

Historically, the city-owned greenhouse has grown a variety of plants along with ornamental melons, tomatoes and herbs. The greenhouse also features banana and cocoa trees.

However, long term goals are to turn a south portion of the greenhouse into an education food production area where visitors can see food being grown. Friends of the Greenhouse also want the facility to become a botanical garden at which plants are cataloged and labeled in accordance with the Botanical Garden Association.

Friends of the Greenhouse are already taking steps to expand the facility's use to the general public and for education.

Salad greens were grown in the greenhouse this winter and sold at a local natural foods store.

Cub Scouts, who planted flower seeds this spring in the greenhouse, will next week re-plant the flowers in Olcott Park.

As the nation's northernmost conservatory, the greenhouse offers visitors a respite, said Grishaber.

During cold winter months, the greenhouse becomes a haven of warmth and greenery, lifting visitor's spirits.

"It's 75 to 80 degrees in here in the winter," said Grishaber. "This serves as a getaway. During the four months when people come in here during the winter, it has a great impact on them."

The greenhouse is open from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Friends of the Greenhouse are busy preparing for an influx of hundreds of visitors during the annual Land of the Loon celebration in Virginia.

"This greenhouse has a history," said Grishaber. "People have an emotional connection to Olcott Park and to the greenhouse. There's a lot of memories here for a lot of people."

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board supported renovation of the Olcott Park Greenhouse with a $20,000 grant.

PHOTO CAPTION: Ted Grishaber and Friends of the Greenhouse plan to turn the historic greenhouse in Virginia into a community gathering place.lcott Park Greenhouse in Virginia