Newton’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department hosted an online community webinar on Monday, August 29 to discuss updates to the community garden planning for a quarter-acre site located at the corner of Washington Street and Walnut Park in Nonantum. A neighborhood “friends” group has been working with Councilors in Ward 1 and the City to create a community garden on the north side of the city, using ARPA funding. Currently, the plan calls for fully accessible garden beds, with room for open-space gathering areas and the addition of shade trees.
According to Ward 1 Councilor Maria Greenberg, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller met with City Councilors to get ideas on how to invest ARPA funds, and Councilor Greenberg suggested the creation of a community garden on the north side of the City. She said that:
- Some residents of Newton Corner requested that she look into the possibility of creating one even before ARPA became available.
- A group of residents have already formed a 501(c)(3) group to not only provide more access to fresh, quality foods, but also promote physical activity, improve mental health, provide relaxation to residents and improve community cohesion — all of which has been especially needed during the COVID pandemic.
- “The ARPA funds will be used to survey the land, design the garden, and provide a water source. Additional funds will be needed to build the plots (including accessible plots), a storage shed, and tools, seating/picnic area, and composting system.”
- The Village Bank has generously pledged $5,000 towards the project.
At the meeting, several neighbors raised issues and questions regarding the proposed layout. Among the concerns were the spacing between the plots, the size of the plots (in terms of equity), the location of the seating area, the need for lawn space, the location and material for the path, and the fencing of the garden. Several abutting neighbors were surprised to learn of this project just recently and raised concerns relating to access, traffic, parking, and rodent control. Both Director of Parks and Open Space, Luis Perez Demorizi and the consultant, Weston and Sampson Representative, Cassie Bethoney, responded that all questions will be reviewed and taken into consideration as they continue to more fully develop plans. For more information about the plans, see: March 24th Kick-off Meeting Notes, Spears Park Community Garden Project Presentation 03242022; Community Meeting #2 Recording; Spears Park Community Meeting #2 Presentation; Spears Park Community Meeting # 3 Recording; and Spears Park Community Meeting #3 Presentation.