Community Corner

Avon Lake Community Garden is Named 'Project of the Year'

For the second year, all-volunteer garden sells out.

The Avon Lake Community Garden, which was delayed one full season before enjoying a spectacular inaugural season in 2012, was named the 2012 Avon Lake Project of the Year by the Avon Lake Community Council.

The all-volunteer project, spearheaded by retired Avon Lake High School government teacher Dale Cracas, retired resident Bruce Peepers and gardener/former councilwoman Holly Kowalski, was initially set to launch in 2011 but strong spring rains derailed the opening.

Located at the community garden

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With it’s inaugural year successfully under its belt, the garden is readying for the 2013 spring planting when all 150 plots are sprouting fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs.

It’s perfectly symbolic of what the garden stands for: A community gathering place that brings together people from throughout the city with a common mission of bringing even more people together. The garden also brings together numerous groups.

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“I did not realize how successful it was until people came up and said ‘thanks for doing this,’” Cracas said. “We’re full. We have a waiting list. We have a reputation that we have a good garden. We’re seeing families come up here.

“We have grandparents saying they want to teach their grandchildren how to grow things. We have people who just want to raise fresh produce. I didn’t realize there was such a big need.”

Peepers said he believes he understands the garden’s draw.

“It appeals to all ages,” he said. “We have seniors, young adults and children and students at school. We have so many people involved in the garden and I think that’s the appeal.”

Approximately 150 gardeners have signed up this year. CRS has four plots and the schools have 2-3 plots.

 “It’s expanded from last year’s garden,” Peepers said. “What Dale and I are trying to do is improve the garden every year.”

This year, the two added blueberry bushes which will not bear fruit this year, but should have blueberries next year.

Community Council and Avon Lake City Council President Martin O’Donnell said he understood the effort involved.

“Dale and Bruce, plus their committee’s monumental efforts to put this Community Garden together in working with the schools, the city, utilities and businesses, was exceptional,” O’Donnell said. “The garden is a service to the residents and learning laboratory for Avon Lake schools and much of the food will be going to those in need. This project is truly a value to the community for the future.”

Garden members were acknowledged at the May 9 Kiwanis Club meeting.


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