Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/12/2009

Home

Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that this topic would be a little bit different as it would not be a park in the normal sense of the word. He advised that community gardens are very successful around the state and the nation. He advised that it gives residents without a y~trd space a healthy place to go and interact with their neighbors. He displayed an aerial view of the site, which includes the water tower, townhomes and apartments located iIi that m:ea. He stated that this site is located in a busy area, contains the water tower and is cUlTently not ilTigated.He explained that it is a very prominent area with the City name on it and thought it could be improved by the proposed use as a community garden. He continued that also in this area are two groups of residents currently without yards or ,inywhere to grow plants. He thought that this would be a great. connection to improve the community interaction by providing garden space for those residents without yards. He thought that the element of ageless engagement could also be fostered with older residents mentoring younger residents in the area. He displayed pictures of the proposed area and nearby housing sites. He displayed a sketch of the proposed garden area which would include a round-about drive with parking, raised garden beds for those whom it is not ahvays comfortable to bend down, such as seniors. FIe explained that most of the garden areas would be divided by paths and spaces. He stated that there would be two big bins, one for 'Needs that the City would dispose of and the other receptacle would be City provided compost. He advised that there would be a water pond with coy fIsh. He stated that there would be fruit trees and belTY patches along the border and there would also be a gazebo included for picnics or gatherings. He explained that by placing the gazebo near the townhomes green area, they would also be utilizing that un~ programmed area for children and family activities. He speculated that if residents were to have a garden space they would also take pride and watch over the spaces of other residents. He thought that this would be a gre,lt opportunity to bring people together in the community and provide them with an outdoor activity that they currently could not take part in. Riverblood explained that the area directly under the water tower would remain vacant, as there is maintenance that needs to occur during cCliain years. He provided an image of an existing garden space that, included vegetables and fruit. He stated that residents that take pmi in this activity typically want their same space year after year and there is usually a waiting list. He advised that a community shed could also be incorporated for tools and such to be kept at for the residents. Commissioner Shryock asked if there would be an affect to the garden and residents if the water tower would need to be painted. Pm'ks Supervisor Riverblood advised that activity does not occur often, but explained th'1t in each case they wOlild need to be very careful because of overspray, which is in part the reason that the area directly under the tower would not be used for gardening. Commissioner Shryock questioned how this infonnation should be given to residents as far as decor orregulations, as it is a new concept for the City. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that at the community gardens that he has visited do not have signs in them with rules, yet are usually well maintained. He advised that some of the Park and Recreation Commission/December 11, 2008 Page 90f 13