The city of Santa Clarita is helping residents put more fresh fruits and vegetables on the table with the expansion of the Community Gardens at Central Park. The Santa Clarita City Council and community gardeners held a ribbon cutting event celebrating the completion of 51 new garden plots.
The Community Gardens currently offers 80 garden plots to community members and groups who agree to use organic gardening practices to grow fresh, pesticide-free food. Since the gardens opened in 2011, there has been a wait list of residents interested in renting a plot to grow fresh food and the expanded gardens will address the existing and growing demand.
“The Community Gardens is a sanctuary where residents enjoy planting and tending to their own fruits and vegetables,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “The concept is incredibly popular, and we are happy to offer increased space and opportunities for residents to grow and enjoy fresh foods.”
The Community Gardens expansion includes 51 new raised garden beds, three universal-use plots, planting a dozen new fruit trees, a butterfly garden, a dry river bed and landscaping enhancements.
The Community Gardens of Santa Clarita is a non-profit organization and a community facility where residents can come together to harvest and enjoy the benefits of locally grown, organic food that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost effective. Food grown in the Community Gardens is enjoyed by residents and donated to local organizations, including Help the Children and the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry.
For more information on the Community Gardens Expansion project or the ribbon cutting, contact Gail Ortiz at (661) 255-4314 or gortiz@santa-clarita.com.
