Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Date:
To: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
From: Tim Behrendt, Streets and Parks Manager
Title
Community Gardens at Meadows Park
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is asked to give input on the planning and development of the community gardens.
Summary Report:
Meadows Park Phase 1A was constructed last fall. Staff is anticipating that the park will remain closed the majority of 2017 until the seed is established. However, the community garden adjacent to the parking lot will be open in the spring of 2017.
Staff along with the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative (NHCI) are in the planning process for the community gardens at Meadows Park. We are looking to get feedback on the following:
1. Size of the plots 10’ X 20’, 15’ X 20’?
2. Does the City charge a yearly fee for a plot?
3. What does the City provide - water, tilling of garden area in the spring, laying out and numbering the plots?
4. Draft up rules and regulations on the community gardens?
5. Residents have to reserve a plot through the City, first come first serve basis.
6. Advertise community gardens through NHCI and the City on Northfield website.
A map of Meadows Park is attached.
Financial Impacts:
Staff time accepting reservations, getting garden plots ready, re-filling water tanks weekly. The City would have to buy a poly water tanks for water storage and rent a tiller.
Tentative Timelines:
Gardens would be ready for planting in May 2017, with plot reserving beginning Mid-March.