#SanfordME, #SpringvaleME - #LandTrust Receives Donation for #AccessibleGarden

March 20, 2023

"The Sanford Community Garden will further expand this year with new wheelchair-accessible garden beds, thanks to a generous donation from Kennebunk Savings Bank.

According to Bud Johnston, President of MWLT, the gift will enable the Land Trust to build six beds for the benefit of those unable to use the existing beds at the garden. Each bed will have two sections – a 3 x 8-foot elevated growing table and a 3 x 4-foot raised bed, 20-inches high. This combination will allow for different gardening activities. The beds will sit on a concrete slab for ease of movement and convenience. Gardeners also will park on a paved surface.

Kennebunk Savings has been the official sponsor of the community garden since its inception in the spring of 2019. In 2022, funding was provided to double the garden’s size in response to demand, and to provide each gardener with everything needed to have a successful harvest without cost. Altogether Kennebunk Savings has provided $30,000 in support of the garden. Dr. Johnston said “I am certain I speak for all those involved with the Garden in saying that we are truly grateful for the generous support of Kennebunk Savings.”

'A community garden grows more than just nutritious food. It benefits the public by building connections – we engage with the earth and we engage with each other,' said Bradford C. Paige, President and CEO of Kennebunk Savings. 'We are pleased to present the #MousamWayLandTrust with a $7,500 donation in support of the creation of an #ADAAccessible garden beds so people of all abilities – everyone in this growing community – can enjoy this space. At Kennebunk Savings, we believe being a good neighbor means investing in our community.'

The Sanford Community Garden is located at the David and Linda Pence Community Ecology Center and the McKeon Environmental Reserve off Blanchard Rd. in #SpringvaleME. It is managed by Patty and Kevin McKeon, University of Maine Extension York County Master Gardener Volunteers."

FMI:
https://mousamwaylandtrust.org/2023/03/20/land-trust-receives-donation-for-accessible-garden/

#SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity

#DuarteCA #CommunityGarden to be developed at #TzeitelParasCaracciPark

March 12, 2025

"Duarte residents will soon have a new space to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors. Last month, the Duarte City Council approved the development of the Duarte Community Garden at Tzeitel Paras-Caracci Park (2701 Royal Oaks Drive).

"'This project exemplifies our dedication to creating #sustainable, #accessible spaces for our residents,' said Mayor Cesar A. Garcia. 'This garden will not only enhance the beauty of our park but also provide a space where our community can come together, learn, and share in the joy of nature. I am excited to see this project grow and look forward to it becoming a vibrant part of our community.'

"The goal of the Duarte Community Garden is to increase #FoodSovereignty by creating garden plots for community members to grow healthy food, cultivate agricultural literacy with educational programs, gather community by creating a welcoming and accessible garden space, and perform ecosystem services by removing grass, installing a sustainable #DripIrrigation system, building a #NativeHabitatGarden, and collecting #compost.

"The garden will feature 20 plots and two #ADAAccessible raised beds, available for rent at $5 per month. Community members can plant edible (excluding smokable) plants and flowers for personal, noncommercial use. It will include a storage shed with garden tools, an irrigation system promoting sustainable practices, and ADA-accessible decomposed granite pathways.

"The garden will be run in partnership with Food Exploration and Discovery (#FoodEd), a nonprofit organization that collaborates with San Gabriel Valley communities to create edible education sites and provide programs on #ecosystem #stewardship, healthy living, #environmental innovation, and entrepreneurship.

"Food Ed’s educational model will support gardeners of all skill levels, providing supplies and plants for beginners while experienced gardeners can use their own resources. The garden will also offer picnic benches for community #gatherings and host educational programs on topics like #VegetableGardening, #composting, #DroughtTolerant landscaping, and #SoilHealth.

"As the lead on this grant project, Food Ed will be responsible for building the #DuarteCommunityGarden. This includes overseeing site construction, collecting infrastructure bids, contractor management, program management, community engagement and workshops/events, processing plot holder applications, plant and soil replenishment, above ground irrigation repairs, developing the garden’s webpage and branding and overall garden management through October of 2026.

"For more information on the Duarte Community Garden, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (626) 357-7931."

Source:
https://heysocal.com/2025/03/12/duarte-community-garden-to-be-developed-at-tzeitel-paras-caracci-park/
#ThirdSpaces #SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #California #SolarPunk #Composting