After a presentation by resident Danie Bootsma to Penhold town council last week community gardens are returning as soon as the snow melts.
Town council voted unanimously to support a community garden to be located at Hayter Street Park and maintained by community volunteers and neighbours to the park.
Danie Bootsma, who lives beside the park space, organized and researched the project as well as solicited support from her neighbours who signed a petition of support.
“Community gardens have many advantages,” said Bootsma. “They serve as a social gathering place for neighbours who may not usually talk. They provide a learning space for students of all ages, provide food for families, and they instill a sense of pride in a natural space.”
On March 12 Bootsma held an open house at the Penhold library, which garnered significant public response and support.
Council expressed concerns over security, water supply, and the cost of start-up for the community garden.
She added she had examined the costs associated with starting up the garden and had come up with a cost for the community boxes.
“The cost of each box is around $40, and we can either buy them built or buy the material and build them,” said Bootsma. “Right now, we don't know how many we will need but will have to find out once we start the project.”
With councilors voting to support the project, Bootsma can now apply for grants to begin the community garden. She is looking to apply for several grants up to $3,000 each.
Mayor Dennis Cooper issued a challenge to his councilors to sponsor a garden box after pledging to buy one to donate to the project. Four other councilors took the challenge while Coun. Kathy Sitter offered her green expertise.
A previous community garden project in Penhold failed but Bootsma was confident her project will succeed.
“I have lots of support from the community to make this work,” said Bootsma.
