Title
Community Garden Removal
History
Several years ago the Parks & Grounds was instructed to install gardening plots in the very front of Discovery Park. The area was sub-divided into twenty one (21) plots that would be available to park patrons to rent for the gardening season.
Over time the plots have been reduced in size to make them more manageable. While the program received a good participation level when first enacted the numbers have been reduced. Last year (2016) the number of total plots rented was sixteen (16). Of those sixteen (16) rentals twelve were being utilized by resident and four (4) by non-residents. The number was again reduced this year in 2017. Of the twenty one (21) available plots a total of eleven (11) were rented. Residents rented seven (7) and non-residents rented four (4). The fee for the plot rental is $30.00 for residents and $45.00 for non-residents.
Staff is requesting to remove the garden plots at this time. The time and material involved in the annual preparation of the sites as well as the continued maintenance of the unrented spaces (weed removal), which is done manually as chemicals are not allowed, does not make this a viable program to continue. Additionally, complaints have been received over the life of this program from area residents that feel the location is not correct for such a program. Staff does agree that it is visually not as pleasing as the park was prior to the garden installation.
Staff is requesting to convert the area back to turf. This can be accomplished by staff at a minimal cost. The program could be reevaluated at a later date should a better location present itself.
On September 18, 2017, this item was reviewed by the Parks & Recreation committee, recommended for approval, and referred to the Village Board of Trustees for consideration.
Financial Impact
Funds for the conversion are available in the Parks & Grounds restoration account 283-4003-463300
Recommended Action/Moti...
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