I am proud to announce that preliminary approval has been granted by the Evergreen Parks and Rec District Board for a new Community Garden to be located at Buchanan Park in Evergreen! This victory has been the result of the collaborative efforts of several local grass-roots organizations including the Evergreen Alliance for Sustainability (you make it E.A.S.+Y!), Green Scouts, the Evergreen Garden Club and the Global Children’s Gardens. I currently serve on the Boards of both EAS+Y (Vice President) and Green Scouts. In addition, I have completed the different iterations of the Site Plan and Plot Plans for the site at Buchanan Park.
The initial approval includes approximately 1/4 – 1/2 acre of area near the existing rec center and arts center. The location has been sited in order to assure that no existing trees will need to be removed at this point and has the ability to utilize two small existing sheds for storage of tools and materials. Approval was discussed and granted at the August meeting of the EPRD Board of Directors where we offered more than 400 signatures from community members interested in the Community Garden and addressed the concerns voiced by the Board. This community garden presents an important opportunity for area residents to teach each other how to garden at high-altitude and a short growing season and also will help to set a precedent in our mountain communities for local food production. After our discussions, the EPRD Board granted approval for the ground breaking and other activities that will begin to prepare the site for planting in the spring and has also agreed to contribute up to $1300 toward the project which must be matched by the organizations behind the initiative. An official agreement will be struck between the organizations behind the initiative and the EPRD Board at the September Board meeting. We will bring our $1300 contribution as a good faith gesture along with updated plans and an updated project budget so that the Board can begin preparing for their 2011 budget negotiations. Please come and show your support for this exciting opportunity in our community and the great organizations that are behind this effort. The meeting will be at the Wulf Rec Center on Buffalo Park (behind the high school) at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, September 28th.
