Community Garden Report July 9

Community Garden Subcommittee

Progress Report

Type(s) of Gardens

The group consensus is to develop community gardens that over time will serve personal, charitable and educational purposes.  These gardens will be phased in as resources and volunteers allow, but will include:

• Allotment plots for individuals/families
• Donation/charitable plots
• Pollination/habitat/butterfly garden
• Common orchards (fruit trees, nut trees, blackberries, blueberries, etc.)
• Common perennial herbs
• Since several people have stated an interest in memorial gardens of some kind, either the orchards, perennials or habitat gardens might be appropriate for memorial purposes

Features/Site(s)

The group discussed several possible ways of developing sites for gardens, which generated some questions to be asked of the Advisory Committee and Water Authority.  The advantages and disadvantages of each will be presented and discussed on July 8.

Features to be considered for incorporation into the site (per Urban Harvest and meetings with successful community gardens):

• Picnic arbor/structure to provide shade and a place for participant gathering and education
• Bathroom or bathroom access
• Outdoor kitchen with sink/water
• Barbecue area
• Tool shed
• Cistern for rainwater collection
• Water source for irrigation needs
• Composting site/structure
• Perimeter demarcation (berry brambles, ornamental boarders, fencing)
• Planting beds
• Signage

Recruiting Community Support

• The group needs to more broadly recruit interested parties to demonstrate the desire for community gardens as part of the golf course development and to establish networks of organizations and individuals who will form the corps of supporters and volunteers for gardens. 

Deliverables

The usual timeline for volunteer recruitment, design and development of a small community garden is 1-2 years.  The short timeline between now and the due date for the presentation to the Advisory Committee and community in late August means that this subcommittee will aim to present a preliminary, yet thoughtful Master Plan with options, a long list of potential volunteers and supporters, and a fundraising strategy that together demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating community gardens into the golf course project.

Questions for the Advisory Committee/Water Authority

• When will a non-profit entity be organized through which fundraising could be initiated?
• Are we restricted to the designated acreage for “recreation” or are other smaller areas within the golf course boundaries available for use?
• Where exactly is the boundary between the rec center property and the CLC Water Authority property?
• What are the restrictions on structures (e.g., bathrooms, shed, and picnic arbor)?  It sounds like they can be paid for privately, but not owned privately?  If they are approved by the master plan, can they be developed and owned by the CLC Water Authority or County?
• What irrigation system is currently in place?  Will any of it be maintained? 
• Can future irrigation be planned into the landscape master plan?  Presumably water taps/drinking fountains will be part of the hike and bike system.  Could the gardens piggy back on these lines?
• Is the Water Authority open to providing water for the gardens, or must separate meters be installed and owned by the “Friends” organization or another non-profit developed to govern the community garden.