Statesboro District 2 Councilwoman Paulette Chavers and Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful (KSBB) Coordinator Amanda Clements hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the city's newly-established community garden on Saturday.
The community garden is located at 130 Parker Street, adjacent to Renaissance Park on Statesboro's west side. Just under a mile from downtown, the garden boasts 15x30 ft. ground plots along with several 4x12 ft. raised beds. The garden will be available at minimal cost to City residents to grow flowers and produce.
A dream brought to life
Crediting the collaborative work of City Council, KSBB, and the local community, Chavers addressed the dozens of attendees at Saturday's ceremony. "We did it," she said. "We came together with a common goal in mind and we made [this] happen."
Clements said that KSBB looks forward to facilitating community garden operations. "We are excited to see [it] bring a solution to food insecurity in our community," she said, "as well as [become] a place to build relationships and provide educational opportunities for gardening basics."
Clements thanked the City's Public Works Division for their efforts in bringing the concept to life, as well as Georgia Power for making possible the lighting and sprinkler systems for the garden. "Without all of you involved, we would not be standing here celebrating," Clements said.
Credit: Bobby NeSmith/Grice Connect
Raised beds are available for lease at $25 per year, while the larger ground plots are $50. These fees will help to cover administrative and utility costs associated with garden operations. Citizens interested in leasing a bed or plot should visit KSBB's website for more information.
Thanks to a donation by local attorney Troy Marsh of The Marsh Law Firm, financial assistance is available for those who need it. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk's office during business hours.
Need help? Ask a master gardener.
According to Clements, local pastor Donald Chavers, Jr., will serve as a volunteer master gardener. He will be available several hours during the week to answer questions and provide assistance. Once determined, those hours will be posted on KSBB's website as well as on a message board located near the community garden.
"Gardening is more than just planting plants," said Pastor Chavers. "It's therapy. It draws you together. It causes you to understand where your food is coming from."
