A ceremony to dedicate the new Grant Park Community Garden is set for Saturday, July 16, at 11:30 a.m. at the northwest corner of Grant Park in the South Perry District (near 10th Avenue and Arthur Street). The project is a partnership of the City of Spokane, the Spokane Regional Health District, the South Perry Business and Neighborhood Association, and neighbors in the South Perry area.

The garden is the sixth one developed as part of the City’s Community Garden Program; the gardens have been created on City Water Department or Park land. Other City-sponsored community gardens are located in the Comstock, East Central, Hillyard, West Central and Peaceful Valley neighborhoods.

“Community gardens are great additions to our City,” said Mayor Mary Verner. “Under this program, we’re bringing people together to grow healthy food and healthy neighborhoods.”

Gardeners apply for the plots within the garden to grow their own produce; they agree to tend to the space for the growing season. The garden is completely organic, which means that growers can’t use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Gardeners can keep whatever they grow in their section, but they are encouraged to share their harvest by planting a row for the hungry or giving away what they can’t eat themselves.

The event is open to the public and is scheduled in conjunction with the annual South Perry Street Fair and Parade. 

Acccording to Grant Park Community Garden, the project is one of two pilot community gardens opening in 2011 as part of a new program established to host community gardens in Spokane city parks. In early 2011 the Spokane Parks Board instituted a new policy allowing community non-profit organizations to make proposals for the development of community gardens on parks lands. The Ribbon Cutting will formally kick off months of work by the Grant Garden Steering Committee and community supporters, welcoming 2011 garden plot renters and all community members to celebrate the new project. Councilman Richard Rush and others will be on hand to celebrate the occasion. Plots are still available for rental and are available for rental to individuals, families and community groups. Plot sizes range in size from 4x8’ to 4x25’ and rental ranges between $25 and $50 for the 2011 season. ADA accessible plots are available. Plot holders will be asked to contribute 6 hours of volunteer time, with several garden beds collectively grown for donation to food banks, emphasizing the garden’s commitment to serving the community. The Grant Garden Steering Committee has been responsible for raising all funds for garden infrastructure and materials, receiving financial support from Neighborhoods Matter, a program of the Spokane Regional Health District, as well as from many generous members of the community. Sponsorships and donations from area businesses, organizations and individuals are welcome. Portions of the garden are currently under construction and donations are being accepted to further those efforts. Those interested in plot rental, making a donation or with other questions can contact the Steering Committee at grantparkgarden@gmail.com

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