Park Board Commissioners aim to improve community amenities and provide activities for all ages
WASHOUGAL — The city of Washougal and Washougal Park Board of Commissioners will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a new community garden in downtown Washougal.
The space has six ADA garden beds and 27 regular plots for a total of 33 plots. 10 plots have been reserved as of mid-March. Each lease is for a one year term that can be renewed annually.
The new downtown community garden is located at 2036 Main Street, and is accessible via downtown street parking. The event will be available for residents to attend in-person and will also be livestreamed on the city of Washougal Facebook page.
The ribbon cutting will be on Thu., March 25 at noon. Physical distancing and low-contact guidelines will be observed at this event, as well as face coverings.
The Park Board of Commissioners have been working hard on seeking out new recreational activities that will address all ages and improve the city’s park system. The downtown community garden project is one piece of this forward-looking effort.
Staff and park board members say they hope citizens will see the investment the city is making to enhance the quality of life for residents. Additionally, the garden provides an alternative source for food, educational opportunities and greenspace for residents who do not have yards or own property.
The program is designed to promote community building, sustainable practices, and ecologically responsible gardening. Gardeners in the program have the opportunity to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables in privately leased plots and also cooperate with one another to manage the larger community garden site.
Gardening is one of the most popular recreational activities in America, providing an opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and often access to a wider variety of nutritious and healthy food than might otherwise be available.
Organizers said they recognize community gardening as an activity that contributes to the health and well-being of the wider community as well. Gardening together can provide the opportunity for education, environmental awareness, social interaction among diverse people, inter-generational and cross-cultural connections, and a connection to the environment and the practice of sustainability.
To learn more about leasing a plot, visit the city’s website here.
Information provided by the city of Washougal
