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View Winners → Learn About Monrovia’s Community Garden Pilot Program at Informational Meeting
Monrovia Weekly Mar 18, 2019
Image used for illustration only. - Courtesy photo / Kevin Krejci (CC BY 2.0)
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Image used for illustration only. – Courtesy photo / Kevin Krejci (CC BY 2.0)
Learn more about the Monrovia Community Garden Pilot Programs at an informational meeting on April 13 from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Monrovia Library Community Room (321 S. Myrtle Ave.).
Over the last year or so, there has been a call from community members who have expressed interest in having a community garden. Whether it was a desire to have their own garden plot or engaging in a shared community project, residents of all ages asked the city to explore the possibilities of creating a garden space that would offer a variety of gardening activities from beginners to experts.
In early 2018, Monrovia City Council echoed the need to study the possibility of establishing a Community Garden Program. Coupled with the findings of the Parks Master Plan process which identified community gardens to be the third highest priority of survey respondents, an assessment process began to review the feasibility of establishing a Community Garden Pilot Program.
Over the course of several months, community garden models along with best practices were explored in conjunction with the essential perimeters needed in identifying a successful garden location.
During the review process, city staff mentioned the community garden efforts with community members from Mountainside Communion Church (303 W. Colorado Blvd.) and they were looking to start a community garden project on their property for the community’s use.
Both parties came together with a similar vision: to launch a community garden pilot program that would incorporate private raised beds for rent, educational workshops, community engagement, and public demonstration gardens for all of the community to enjoy. The initial plan was presented to the City Council in a study session in early November.
Incorporating the feedback garnered at the study session, the city and Mountainside worked together to finalize site plans, program components, and refine the role of Garden Director Dr. Kristin Ritzau.
On Nov. 20, 2018, the City Council approved an agreement with Mountainside for the development and management of the Monrovia Community Garden Pilot Program.
This summer the Monrovia Community Garden will take shape at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue.
For more information on how to rent a garden bed, participate in an educational workshop, or learn more about the public demonstration gardens, call (626) 303-6609 or visit the Monrovia Community Garden website.
