West Fargo Aims for Community Collaboration in New Garden Space West Fargo city officials are eager to work alongside residents in establishing a community garden as a shared resource for the city. “We’re looking to partner with a neighborhood or organization to find a suitable location and manage the space,” said Parks and Recreation Director Bill Wyatt. The garden would provide residents with an opportunity to grow their own vegetables and connect with their community. The city is exploring potential sites, including vacant lots or underutilized green spaces. “We see this as a way to promote healthy living, encourage neighborhood involvement, and provide fresh produce to those in need,” added Mayor Bernie Dardis. The proposed garden would be open to all West Fargo residents, regardless of age or gardening experience. The city would provide support through resources, educational workshops, and maintenance assistance. “We’re excited about the potential for this project and believe it can become a valuable asset to our community,” Wyatt said. The city is seeking input from residents on the location, design, and management of the garden. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Parks and Recreation Department or attend upcoming public meetings. “This is a community effort,” Dardis emphasized. “We want to create a space that truly serves the needs of our residents.” The establishment of a community garden in West Fargo would align with the city’s goal of promoting sustainable and healthy living practices. By providing residents with access to fresh, locally-grown produce, the garden would foster a sense of community and contribute to the well-being of its citizens.West Fargo Explores Community Garden Options
West Fargo Explores Community Garden Options The West Fargo City Commission has authorized city staff to seek partners for a potential community garden. Commissioner Mandy George, in one of her final appearances, brought up the topic during a commission meeting. George and planning director Aaron Nelson presented a memo requesting that the city consider establishing a community garden or donating land where one could be created. They emphasized the benefits of community gardens, including addressing food insecurity, improving residents’ physical and mental health, and enhancing quality of life. Nelson described two main models for community gardens: allotments, where smaller plots are leased to individuals or groups for independent gardening, and community gardens, where a larger area is maintained collectively by a group. The city’s involvement in managing the garden could vary, from providing land and water to operating a plot leasing system. Other cities in the region have varying approaches to community gardens, with some managed by park districts, public health authorities, or nonprofits. George preferred finding a partner to manage the garden, with the city providing land and water. Commissioner Brad Olson expressed concerns about maintenance and vandalism but agreed that finding a management partner was the preferred option. Mayor Bernie Dardis supported exploring options for a community garden. The commission unanimously approved a motion to allow staff to search for partners. A progress report will be presented at a future meeting. The meeting marked the last for George and Commissioner Mark Simmons, who chose not to seek re-election. New commissioners Rory Jorgensen and Amy Zundel will be sworn in on July 1.
Hoping to Grow Community Roots West Fargo is exploring the possibility of developing a community garden. The project is still in its early stages, but city officials are seeking input from the public. The garden would be located on a vacant lot owned by the city. “We’re really looking to see what the community wants,” said West Fargo Parks and Recreation Director Abby Lee. “This is a great opportunity for people to get involved and help shape the future of our city.” Community gardens offer a number of benefits, including: * Access to fresh, healthy food * Opportunities for physical activity * A sense of community * Educational opportunities West Fargo is hoping to partner with local organizations to develop and maintain the garden. The city is also considering offering classes on gardening and nutrition. “We want to make this a true community effort,” Lee said. “We’re excited to see what we can accomplish together.” If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact the West Fargo Parks and Recreation Department at 701-538-8350.
