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Community
Gardens Coming To Darke County Parks
You may have noticed some activity at the new Bish Discovery Center on
Ohio Street. Cinder blocks and soil have been delivered to build
at least 20 raised beds on the empty lot on the north side of the
building. Staff and volunteers have been on site more
regularly as the excitement for using this space for the community
continues to grow.
The purpose of the community garden is two-fold as the district looks
to provide space for both individuals and school students. The
majority of the beds will be available to rent for a small fee by
people who would like a place to garden but may not have the space or
proper sunlight at their residence. A garden contract will ensure
that there is a mutual understanding between the park and the
renter. Darke County Parks will provide quality soil, access to
water, and video surveillance to detour vandalism. There will also be a
number of opportunities to gather and learn for those interested in
expanding their knowledge. The hope is to create a community of
people who have an interest in gardening and a place to learn more
about how to have a successful harvest.
The Greenville Elementary School will be the main focus of the
educational gardens in the space. The park district plans to
offer curriculum based programming for classes and have the gardens
available for independent field trips and lessons as well. While
the focus will be on kindergarten through first grade in the beginning,
it is expected to include all of the grade levels at the elementary
school in the future.
Darke County Parks is proud to be the recipient of a grant from RAB
Lighting to get this project off the ground. Along with the
community garden there are plans for rain barrels, aquaponics, a
compost area and cold frames. For more information or to sign up
for programs please call 937-548-0165.
Photo - A volunteer builds raised beds during the parks’ Earth Day
event.
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