CONCEPTUAL GARDEN LAND USE
The initial conceptual ideas for the Lake Forest Community Garden Park include:
The Community Garden Park would be administered by the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department. They would organize and administer the use of individual plots.
The entire parcel encompasses 6.4 acres; a significant portion is slope area. Estimates from aerial photos give an approximately 3.5 acre useable site. The community garden would be rural in nature keeping the initial development costs to a minimum. The user fees would hopefully cover any maintenance and water costs.
An on-site parking area at the far boundary, adjacent to the commercial development would be provided. A 30 space, “rural” type parking area with gravel overlay would be provided. Total land use for parking is estimated at 0.5 acres.
There could be three gardening sections:
The Community Garden Park would be administered by the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department. They would organize and administer the use of individual plots.
The entire parcel encompasses 6.4 acres; a significant portion is slope area. Estimates from aerial photos give an approximately 3.5 acre useable site. The community garden would be rural in nature keeping the initial development costs to a minimum. The user fees would hopefully cover any maintenance and water costs.
An on-site parking area at the far boundary, adjacent to the commercial development would be provided. A 30 space, “rural” type parking area with gravel overlay would be provided. Total land use for parking is estimated at 0.5 acres.
There could be three gardening sections:
- Educational and corporate demonstration gardens (Fee based)
- Individual gardening beds of 10’ X 15’ with 4 foot wide path between the gardens. (Fee based)
- Large beds for community efforts, volunteer based, to provide fresh produce for those in need, lets call it a “Giving Garden” area
The educational and demonstration garden area, can be tired into the local schools, corporate sponsors, and gardening organizations such as the University of California Master Garden Programs. The concept is for gardens to demonstrate the variety of plants, type specific plants and growing techniques. For example corporate sponsors such as a nursery might develop a garden plot with all succulents, drought tolerant plants, as suggestions of home landscaping.
The second and largest area would be individual gardening plots for vegetables, flowers or herbs. The plots could be 10’ x 15’ with 4’ paths between. It is estimated this section would encompass 300 individual plots which would be leased on an annual basis through the Parks and Recreation Department. If an individual did not keep their plot in acceptable condition, their lease would not be renewed.
The third section would be larger plots cared for by volunteers who grew produce to be distributed through non-profits, food banks and other organizations to assist those in need.
There would be a couple of pedestrian entryways from Lake Forest with entry arbors. A 2’-3’ fence of stone or split rail, similar to other Lake Forest improvements would be provided. Wider foot paths connecting the three garden sections, allows visitors to stroll through the various sections.
There would be several table areas with covers for exchange of ideas, social contract and exchange of garden bounty such as vegetable or flower swaps. In addition these “rest areas” provide a place a quite reflection of the beauty of nature and the gardens. It is a “park” in the truest sense of the word.
Composting bins and /or areas for recycling and educational purposes would be located near the slope area.
Demonstration trees such as avocado, citrus and other fruit trees could be planted along the slope line.
A small shaded area on the narrow end for visitors to just relax and enjoy the gardens could be considered.
The ideas are plentiful and it will be the task of the Parks and Recreation Depart in conjunction with the community during workshops to take the concept to reality.
The purpose of the Lake Forest Community Garden Park is to provide education, recreation and relaxing activities with gardening. The standards of excellence would be applied so that the gardens become a centerpiece of color, texture and the joy of nature.
Funding, especially with education ties are available from several sources. Two websites which list a variety of grants programs geared toward community gardens are:
http://www.americainbloom.org/resources/Grant-Opportunities.aspx
Grant Opportunities Syngenta is accepting applications for their inaugural Grow More Vegetables Seed Grant Program. Grants will give assistance to schools and community organizations establishing or enhancing garden programs that can educate local communities on the benefits of fresh vegetable production and consumption.
http://www.communitygarden.org/learn/resources/funding-opportunities.php
The second and largest area would be individual gardening plots for vegetables, flowers or herbs. The plots could be 10’ x 15’ with 4’ paths between. It is estimated this section would encompass 300 individual plots which would be leased on an annual basis through the Parks and Recreation Department. If an individual did not keep their plot in acceptable condition, their lease would not be renewed.
The third section would be larger plots cared for by volunteers who grew produce to be distributed through non-profits, food banks and other organizations to assist those in need.
There would be a couple of pedestrian entryways from Lake Forest with entry arbors. A 2’-3’ fence of stone or split rail, similar to other Lake Forest improvements would be provided. Wider foot paths connecting the three garden sections, allows visitors to stroll through the various sections.
There would be several table areas with covers for exchange of ideas, social contract and exchange of garden bounty such as vegetable or flower swaps. In addition these “rest areas” provide a place a quite reflection of the beauty of nature and the gardens. It is a “park” in the truest sense of the word.
Composting bins and /or areas for recycling and educational purposes would be located near the slope area.
Demonstration trees such as avocado, citrus and other fruit trees could be planted along the slope line.
A small shaded area on the narrow end for visitors to just relax and enjoy the gardens could be considered.
The ideas are plentiful and it will be the task of the Parks and Recreation Depart in conjunction with the community during workshops to take the concept to reality.
The purpose of the Lake Forest Community Garden Park is to provide education, recreation and relaxing activities with gardening. The standards of excellence would be applied so that the gardens become a centerpiece of color, texture and the joy of nature.
Funding, especially with education ties are available from several sources. Two websites which list a variety of grants programs geared toward community gardens are:
http://www.americainbloom.org/resources/Grant-Opportunities.aspx
Grant Opportunities Syngenta is accepting applications for their inaugural Grow More Vegetables Seed Grant Program. Grants will give assistance to schools and community organizations establishing or enhancing garden programs that can educate local communities on the benefits of fresh vegetable production and consumption.
http://www.communitygarden.org/learn/resources/funding-opportunities.php
