South Dakota State University officials are asking the City of Brookings for a $1 million pledge to help build a McCrory Gardens visitors center.

SDSU Provost Laurie Stenberg Nichols said McCrory Gardens already draws more than 6,000 visitors a year and the visitor center will enhance the gardens and bring even more visitors. 

Some City Council members said they wanted more information about whether the center would compete with existing facilities for weddings, receptions and other events.  The council decided to discuss the issue further on November 17.

The facility would cost an estimated $3.5 million. An expansion option could push it to $5.5 million.