Avon Lake's Community Garden Is Dedicated

Avon Lake’s Community Garden has officially opened, one day after a dedication ceremony was rained out.

The weather was almost symbolic of the garden’s progress. The approximate half–acre garden that holds 140 plots was initially planned to open in 2011, but the season was washed out after the torrential rains in the spring of 2011.

The June 2 dedication was held under sunny skies and project leaders Dale Cracas and Bruce Peepers were joined by other supporters including organic gardener Al Hobar, Holly Kowalski, former mayor K.C. Zuber and Greg Zilka. Council President Mary O'Donnell and Troy Principal Kelli Cogan added comments at the ceremony.

"This was a combination of schools, utilities and the city working together," O'Donnell said.

Creating the garden proved a true community effort and included the collaboration of the school district, which allowed the garden to be built at ; local builders, who donated time, machinery and topsoil; and city employees, including the and who fenced in the property and added a waterline.

Hobar has been advising on how to set up the garden, how to treat the soil and what types of crops to put in.

“Without their help, none of this would have happened,” Cracas said of the assistance they received.

Plenty of gardeners were on hand readying their spots with seedlings.

Cracas said there are eight spots remaining. Interested parties can contact Cracas at dalecracas@yahoo.com.