By Andrea Cordle
Grove City Editor
Shane Fuller, from Boy Scout Troop 136, is working with the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department to create a community garden at Fryer Park.
A community garden will be growing in Grove City thanks in part to a local Boy Scout.
For his Eagle Scout project, 13-year-old Shane Fuller, decided to work with the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department to build a community garden at Fryer Park. The Jackson Middle School student has been part of Boy Scout Troop 136 in Grove City for three years.
Fuller said he has always enjoyed gardening and thought a community garden would be something other people might enjoy too. He plans to build 30 4×12 foot beds, 20 4×10 foot beds, and four elevated beds for the elderly or those with physical limitations.
“I was looking at gardens in Columbus and saw something similar at Franklin Park Conservatory,” said Fuller of the elevated beds for those who have a hard time bending down. “I thought it was a good idea.”
According to Kim Conrad, Grove City Parks and Recreation director, there are a few privately-run community gardens in the area, but this will be the first active publicly operated community garden.
“This gives people an opportunity to get their hands in soil and be part of the community,” she said.
The community garden at Fryer Park will start with the 54 beds planned by Fuller. This will be one quadrant of what Conrad hopes will be a larger garden.
“There is room to grow,” said Conrad. “If there is a lot of interest, we are hoping to grow.”
Conrad said city officials decided to start at Fryer Park but could build community gardens at other locations in the city. She said the garden gives people a space to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It is ideal for those who live in an apartment or condominium who may not have space for a garden.
According to Fuller, he and a group of friends, will build the beds in the upcoming weeks. He said the goal is to have the community garden up and running by mid-May.
“I hope people will use it,” said Fuller. “I want the community to enjoy it.”
The city has already spent about $15,000 on the project. Conrad said the total cost should be less than $20,000.
Those interested in a garden plot can register through the parks and recreation department.
According to Conrad, there may be a fee for a garden plot, but city administrators are still trying to determine if there will be a fee and what amount to charge.
“The fee is still in question,” said Conrad. “It will be under $50 and it may be refunded at the end of the season or donated to local organizations.”
Leftover produce from the community garden will be donated to local food pantries.
For more information on the community garden or to reserve a plot, call the parks and recreation department at 614-277-3050 or visit www.grovecityohio.gov.
