When the dog park was being discussed for this very same site, our input was sought. As for this community garden-not so much. I saw an article about it in the The Review last fall, but really nobody EVER sought the input and cooperation of the people who actually live in the neighbourhood. Suddenly, this spring, a raised bed appeared.

I think that the people who live here pretty much feel like this “community garden” is being put in, and there is nothing that we can do about it. I would hope that legal action would not be our only recourse.

I find it odd that an organization uses the term “community” in its name, but did not seek out the input from the community that it directly affects with this project. I would also like to know how exactly open green space (we have very little of this to begin with) is considered underutilized space when the subject of discussion is a park? Underutilization is in the eye of the beholder my friend, and as far as I am concerned, open space in our neighborhood park was being utilized properly as open green splace, not personal gardens.

As for you last comment, why should our children have to go somewhere else to play? Why don’t you go somewhere else to plant your garden?

Typically communities with community gardens see a decrease in criminal and anti-social behavior. Having responsible gardeners in the park can improve the safety of the neighborhood. Yes, we’re prepared to deal with the homeless problem or any other problem that occurs in the garden. Throughout this process we have sought guidance and direction from other communities with successful community gardens about the potential problems we may encounter and what has worked as far as solutions. I encourage you to visit the American Community Garden Association where you’ll find valuable information about the many benefits of having a community garden. Community Gardens are one of the best types of Public Green Space a neighborhood can have.

While we did not speak to you personally, we did significant outreach in the community of Forest Park and found overwhelming support for this project and even more support for installing the garden at the current location. Over and over we heard the same thing, “oh that’s a fantastic place for it, that park is so underutilized!” We certainly cannot change the past but we would love to work with you and any other neighbors to address your concerns. Lastly, the last thing we want to do is take away a place that children play. Thankfully, Forest Park has several really nice parks with cool equipment for kids. And, we hope to be able to welcome many children to the garden to learn about and participate in growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables.

Are you all willing to help with the homeless problem too?

Additionally, I am dismayed that all of this was done without anybody canvassing the neighborhood, nor a town hall meeting to address neighbors’ concerns.

Can you tell me more about your soil test. I would like to test the soil in our garden to plan some tomatoes and want o make sure it is safe.

Hope to hear about your experience on when to get the soil tested.

Debbie