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<br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that this topic would be a little bit different as it would not <br />be a park in the normal sense of the word. He advised that community gardens are very <br />successful around the state and the nation. He advised that it gives residents without a yard space <br />a healthy place to go and interact with their neighbors. He displayed an aerial view of the site, <br />which includes the water tower, townhomes and apartments located in that area. He stated that <br />this site is located in a busy area, contains the water tower and is currently not irrigated. He <br />explained that it is a very prominent area with the City name on it and thought it could be <br />improved by the proposed use as a community garden. <br /> <br />He continued that also in this area are two groups of residents currently without yards or <br />anywhere to grow plants.. He thought that this would be a great connection to improve the <br />community interaction by providing garden space for those residents without yards. He thought <br />that the element of ageless engagement could also be fostered with older residents mentoring <br />younger residents in the area. He displayed pictures of the proposed area and nearby housing <br />sites. He displayed a sketch of the proposed garden area which would include a round-about <br />drive with parking, raised garden beds for those whom it is not always comfortable to bend <br />down, such as seniors. He explained that most of the garden areas would be divided by paths and <br />spaces. He stated that there would be two big bins, one for weeds that the City would dispose of <br />and the other receptacle would be City provided compost. He advised that there would be a <br />water pond with coy fish. He stated that there would be fruit trees and berry patches along the <br />border and there would also be a gazebo included for picnics or gatherings. He explained that by <br />placing the gazebo near the townhomes green area, they would also be utilizing that un- <br />programmed area for children and family activities. He speculated that if residents were to have <br />a garden space they would also take pride and watch over the spaces of other residents. He <br />thought that this would be a great opportunity to bring people together in the community and <br />provide them with an outdoor activity that they currently could not take part in. <br />Riverblood explained that the area directly under the water tower would remain vacant, as there <br />is maintenance that needs to occur during certain years. He provided an image of an existing <br />garden space that included vegetables and fruit. He stated that residents that take part in this <br />activity typically want their same space year after year and there is usually a waiting list. He <br />advised that a community shed could also be incorporated for tools and such to be kept at for the <br />residents. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shryock asked if there would be an affect to the garden and residents if the water <br />tower would need to be painted. <br /> <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that activity does not occur often, but explained that in each <br />case they would need to be very careful because of overspray, which is in part the reason that the <br />area directly under the tower would not be used for gardening. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shryock questioned how this information should be given to residents as fat as <br />decor or regulations, as it is a new concept for the City. <br /> <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that at the community gardens that he has visited do not <br />have signs in them with rules, yet are usually well maintained. He advised that some of the <br /> <br />Park and Recreation Commissionillecember 11, 2008 <br />Page 9 of 13 <br />