A community garden will be underway this spring in Sundre.
It will provide an opportunity for residents of all ages to plant flowers or grow food, adding another asset to Sundre, say organizers.
“The intent is to have seniors involved. Seniors that could become mentors to young people, teaching gardening skills, finding out how to do any kind of planning on gardening,” said Marita Stermann, executive director with Greenwood Neighbourhood Place (GNP).
“And to have it as a community project where we see lots of families or any other combination where individuals come together and do community gardening.”
A community garden was rated the third priority from residents through a survey conducted as part of the Town of Sundre's Master Recreation Plan last year.
But talk of a community garden in Sundre has been going on for years, according to officials.
There is a committee in place to determine what kind of things to plant in the garden, how high the garden beds should be, and how to spend the funds collected.
A total of $28,000 is in place for the project, and committee members will be seeking donations as the garden expands, said Stermann.
Federal government officials announced last week they are providing $25,000 to GNP officials for the project, through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. As well, $3,000 has been provided from Alberta Health Services.
GNP officials submitted an application for the federal grant in June of 2013, said Stermann.
“Our government recognizes the valuable contribution seniors have made to our society and the economy,” reported MP Blake Richards.
“By supporting groups like Greenwood Neighbourhood Place, we are acting to ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities.”
As well, during the April 7 council meeting, Sundre council allocated land indefinitely for the garden.
There are two pieces of land allocated for the garden, which are actually utility rights-of-way. The pieces of land are identified as Lot 32MR Block 3 Plan 8010730 and Lot 107MR Block 3 Plan 8010730.
“While these pieces of land are utility rights-of-way, community gardens would not negatively affect the utilities. In fact, community gardens would be ideal for these properties as they are not suitable for permanent development; the only caveat being that any utility work required might disturb the gardens,” Jacci Hager, the town's manager of community services, reported to council.
“Although there is limited parking (street only) in this location, the pedestrian bridge across Bearberry Creek will allow people to park in the Aquaplex/curling parking lot and access the gardens from there.”
Stermann said community gardens have been successful in surrounding communities. After the gardens are in place, there may be future opportunities including canning workshops and teaching children how to garden, she added.
Members of the committee include a nutritionist, AHS officials and Town of Sundre officials.
“And I do believe that the people that live in Sundre do have already a lot of knowledge as well to make it a true Sundre community garden project,” she said.
“The benefits are just numerous. It will be a gathering place where you can come together and see how people beautify the town. Where you can find homegrown food so you can hopefully eat healthier.”
There is money set aside to hire a coordinator for the project, however Stermann believes it might not be necessary with the committee already in place.
“The funding we have right now is mainly for the material to put it in place,” she said, adding that the project will most likely start out with six to 10 garden beds.
“I think this is a project the community has been looking for, for a long time.”
