MOUNT VERNON — Interest in a community garden was the topic of discussion Monday morning when area residents gathered at Arch Park to discuss the possible formation of the project. Leading the discussion was Whitaker Wright of CDC of Ohio who has been in contact with west side residents to get their opinion on possible grant projects. In those discussions, a community garden was proposed.
Wright presented an outlined proposal for the garden to be located at the west of Arch Park which would be 30-feet by 80-feet with a 5-foot border around the edges. The area would be divided into 10 full plots (5-feet by 20-feet) or 20 half plots (5-feet x 10-feet) with a 2-foot walkway between plots.
The Mount Vernon city administration has expressed interest in providing startup costs for the garden, according to Wright. “It’s an investment; they’re happy to do it,” he said. These projected startup costs would be for sod removal and tilling at $200; deer fencing at $1,200-$1,500; and soil testing and soil amendments at $200. Additional maintenance costs proposed were for mowing inside the fenced enclosure at $250-$300 and soil testing and amendments at $200.
