City run, managed by Burlington Parks & Recs supported with many volunteers! Started by neighbors, diverse stakeholders. A Place for People to Grow and Gather
History: This jewel of a community garden and park sprung from a grass-roots volunteer neighborhood effort that began in the Fall of 2007. Neighbors joined forces after learning of an impending house going up on the open lot. The owner, Er
ik Hoekstra, was approached, and to everyone's suprise, was willing to sell without building on it. A proposal was written with the input of Community Development expert, Michael Crain. This, together with an application for a Conservation Legacy Program Fund Grant was submitted in February of 2008 to the Conservation Legacy Program Committee of Burlington. Throughout the arduous public process, the residents garnered much community support from neighbors, community leaders and experts in the field of open space conservation. CEDO facilitated meetings were held to work out the vision and talk about the neighborhood's needs. David Queely of Trust for Public Land, served as advisor and provided much invaluable advice and information. In the Spring of '08, Mayor Bob Kiss caught wind of the project and lent his support as well. The project went to the City Council for a vote in May and the Council voted 10-4 to release CLP Grant Funds for the purchase of this neighborhood park and community garden. The land transaction between owner and the city occured in June and it is now a city owned public space. Last summer, neighbors maintained the sight and it was enjoyed by youth and adults alike during The Ramble, a popular Art/Nature Workshop, and for passive recreation. This winter and spring, students from Barnes Elementary School are utilizing the space for a living classroom in experiential based nature and art classes. Garden plots are available for rent this upcoming growing season, administered thru Burlington Area Community Gardens (BACG), a division of Burlington Parks and Recreation, which is a partner organization with the Avant Garden Neighborhood Association, providing oversight and management. We are also currently cultivating a partnership with Burlington Permaculture, of which 2 members facilitated the invigorating Community Garden Design Session, and ties are being made with The Boys and Girls Club and VSArts VT. We are striving to provide a beautiful, safe, rejuvinating place for BACG gardeners and residents alike. In sum, provide a place for people to grow and gather. Locate us on a map! Copyright © 2009 Artistech Inc.
