While other communities have discussed the idea of providing access to a community garden, the Town of Discovery Bay went forward and actually created one on Earth Day (April 22) as they built 100 planting boxes for a community garden.
The idea was approved all the way back in November of last year, but they wanted to make the debut to coincide with Earth Day. The garden idea was brought forward by the Discovery Bay Garden Club and the Parks and Landscape manager Fairin Perez.
“Our parks and landscape manager attends California Parks and Recreation Society conferences and at a session in Southern California they toured a park that had a community garden. It was widely successful. Since many DB residents do not have yards (due to their docks), we thought it a good idea to try one out here,” explained General Manager Rick Howard.
He also added that they have received 100% of the donations for the garden from their sponsors.
The designated area is full of potential that they hope will be successful as the project exposed to the community.
“We hope it is successful and residents utilize the garden plots to grow fruits, vegetables, roses, etc. We built 30 and we have space for 100. Start small and grow,” said Howard.
On Earth Day, CSD Director Kevin Graves gave me an afternoon tour of the garden area and we talked about the potential of the garden and what it could become with more greenery along the border of the area which down the road could include benches, grass and nice rocks to provide a nice atmosphere to participants. He was very excited about this first step.
The plots are now available for rent at $100 per year and come fully irrigated with water and a drip system. Residents who are interested in purchasing a garden plot may contact the District to reserve their spot at (925) 634-1733
4 comments
$100 a year for a small plot that comes with water?? Hell of a deal. While I grow a much larger garden, I spend a lot more than $100 watering my garden. Nothing is better than growing your own veggies and herbs. Also with our weather, you can grown stuff year round. Don’t forget to preserve what you don’t eat fresh. Either can or dry the fresh veggies and herbs. I haven’t purchased some herbs in years-just go out to the garden or the containers and pick what I need to cook with.
Mr. Author, while you are quick to say Discovery Bay beat Oakley and Brentwood to this, this may not work in the rest of East County because most people have backyards. A lot of homes in Discovery Bay have no room to spare being that they are on the water or condos. A great idea, but not feasible elsewhere as people who want a garden could just create their own.
On a per capita basis, I don’t believe Disco Bay is that different than many urban areas. Only the water lots would have the space limitations and more than half don’t have that problem. Apartment/condo dwellers in the cities could benefit from such a program. See it for the net positive that it is and consider such a program for those who would support it.
There are community gardens throughout the Bay Area that have clients using them who also have backyard space. Some of the draw to these programs extends beyond simple space issues.
I hate to say, Nikki, this can be done just about every where for every reason imaginable. There are plenty of spaces all cities and towns can build these lovely gardens. Antioch used to have a wonderful community garden until interest waned. Communities even do this to supply the people who cannot afford to buy food. Wonderful D/B is trying this out!
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