“We are going to have 50 plots designated for the public individual plots as well as group plots so it could be families, friends, and neighbors working together.”
Corey Mathein of the Downtown Neighbor Network says raised beds for the community garden are getting installed on part of the parking lot at 250 Seward Avenue.
“There is an existing irrigation system there as well as electrical outlets so we can have a drip irrigation also you want to have a storage container there so we can provide equipment to the public.”
Kendsie Channing of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. says the community garden addresses a need she frequently hears from downtown residents.
“The thing that constantly comes up is access to fresh produce.
One idea that has come up is why don’t we do it ourselves in a community garden setting.”
Gardeners can claim space on the Downtown Neighbor Network web page. If this garden is a success there may be more.
“This is pilot project we want to see how it goes love to see it in other areas around downtown.”
The Downtown Development Authority is providing $87,000 to build the plots, buy soil and other materials.
