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<br />existing gardens have become self sustaining and actually do a pretty good job of self regulating. <br />He advised that a good example of a community garden that has been in operation for 60 years <br />and is Dowling Gardens. He believed the cost for their plots to be near $60. <br /> <br />Chairperson Johns questioned how residents would obtain their lots. <br /> <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that there are many ways that they could begin this, such as <br />a lottery where residents could win spots, or win the chance to purchase their spot. He advised <br />that they could also give some spaces to the seniors. He stated that he had actually gotten a call <br />from a resident living in those townhomes regarding where she could garden in the City. He <br />advised that she will actually kick-off the idea with a plot at the Youth First Center, and <br />explained that the resident will be a mentor for the project in turn for gaining a plot in which to <br />garden. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shryock was not asconcemed with renters of the spaces so much as passer bys <br />and guests of the City. She wanted to ensure that residents in the community understand that this <br />is an area that they can view and benefit from but that these are peoples own vegetables and they <br />are not to take them. She stated that while some communities are familiar with the concept, <br />residents in Ramsey may not be aware of that. <br /> <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that some of the gardeners actually make plaques and such <br />educating the public on the types of plants. He advised that the irrigation piece of the project <br />could be a part of the water utility, as it had been planned for irrigation. He advised that there is <br />a $5,000 line item from the Parks Capital Improvement Program that for unique opportunities <br />relating to landscaping, and thought this would be a great use for those funds. <br /> <br />Chairperson Johns questioned if $5,000 would be enough for this project including the driveway. ) <br /> <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood did not beleive it would fall under $5,000 but advised that they <br />could move in sections on the project. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hanson thought that the gardens could be completed in the first phase and the <br />driveway in the second year. <br /> <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood agreed, that they could move in phases as funding allows. <br /> <br />Chairperson Johns thought this would be a great addition to the community and loved the <br />concept. She also thought it would be completed for a relatively small amount of money. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hanson thought that it would be a perfect spot for the community garden, <br />utilizing the townhome community and the senior apartments. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shryock questioned what other areas were being reviewed for community garden <br />projects. <br /> <br />Park and Recreation CommissionlDecember 11, 2008 <br />Page 10 of 13 <br />