Parkhill Community Association in partnership with the Friends of the Federation of Calgary Communities successfully applied for a Neighbour Grant from the Calgary Foundation bring their community garden to life. Thanks to this funding and over 40 dedicated volunteers, they were able not only to build the 8 garden beds they’d planned but also add 4 more! The City of Calgary’s donation of free soil and composted helped them reduce costs, and helped make this expansion possible.
Now they have 12 garden boxes, to go with their new tool shed.
Leontine, the project leader, highlights the profound impact the garden is already having in the community: mentions “The Parkhill Community Association (PCA) engagement has been incredible. Many members are approaching the garden in the evenings to view the project, creating a meeting place. We placed three old picnic tables and two old chairs in the center, and this has created a temporary seating area (to be addressed in phase 2/3). Box owners have [even] started an online community.”
This garden is proving that such initiatives not only enhance food security and recreation opportunities, but also cultivate resilient, vibrant and deeply connected communities.
Leontine shared an incredibly touching story of a young boy who told his mom that he “had the best day of his entire life” building the garden. Build day was incredible, and it was so nice to see so many volunteers excited about the project. The garden has really sparked a “new vibe” in the community, leading to more positive messages, ad-hoc donations, and a welcome boost to PCA membership numbers. Approximately, 50% of the new garden boxes are owned by new members!
They look forward to expanding their garden to include patio furniture and a pergola next year. Until then, they’ve placed three old picnic tables and some chairs to create a temporary seating area in the center of the garden.
The Friends of the Federation as so proud to partner with communities to help make grassroots projects like this happen.
