Community Garden in Griffin Relocates and Expands

Summary

The Healthy Life Community Garden (HLCG) provides an opportunity for residents in the underserved Fairmont Community to learn about the benefits of gardening. In addition to growing fresh produce, the HLCG encourages outdoor exercise and healthy eating habits, while also fostering social interaction and trust among the residents in the surrounding community. In 2020, Spalding County Government voted to close the garden due to an adjoining restoration project.

Situation

Residents of the Heritage Park and Fairmont Communities, in Griffin, have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Barriers to this resource include no nearby produce markets, a lack of transportation, fixed-income or low-wage employment, a lack of gardening experience, and a lack of arable land. Easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables would offer residents a healthy alternative to processed (“fast”) foods. In 2012, the original HLCG was completed at Heritage Park, and featured 22 raised beds and 6,000 ft² of in-ground planting space. This location served the community and grew in popularity until 2019, when the county government voted to proceed with a restoration project that would force the closure of the HLCG. Upon the announcement of the restoration project to the public, several Fairmont residents offered testimonials to the Board of Commissioners on behalf of the HLCG and the resources and services it afforded the community.

Response

In response to the community’s concerns, UGA Extension – Spalding County and Spalding County Parks and Recreation representatives met, in late 2019, to discuss plans that were drafted and land that was to be allocated for the future location of the HLCG. In addition to added garden space, a greenhouse, storage shed, and restroom facility would be included. The new garden was completed in July 2020 and is more visible and accessible to both car and pedestrian traffic. It is located within 200 feet of an 80-unit apartment complex (under renovation), the Fairmont Park Recreation Center, and two Griffin-Spalding County Schools, Moore Elementary and A.Z. Kelsey High School, all of which are connected by new walking paths. Collaborators included the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture, Griffin Housing Authority, Spalding County Parks and Recreation, City of Griffin, the Spalding County Collaborative Authority, and the Griffin Branch of the NAACP.

Impact

The new HLCG location occupies 1.5 acres and houses 36 raised beds, with 6 standing beds for accessibility, 4400 ft² of in-ground planting space, pollinator garden, and children’s play area. Overhead irrigation and electricity access allow more community members to grow fresh fruits and vegetables and to participate in UGA Extension programs and events provided by ANR, FCS, and 4-H faculty. As of October 2020, 12 beds have been planted, with 7 maintained by UGA Extension staff and 5 maintained by Fairmont residents. Brandy Smith, a 7-year participant at the HLCG, stated, “Once our apartment is ready, I’m going to fight to get one of the units closest to the garden so I can look out my window and see it every day. My daughter loves the garden. I want my kids to come out here as much as possible.” Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (MGEV) have added several ornamental plants around the perimeter of the garden, recording over 20 volunteer hours in 2 months. Towaliga SWCD has awarded Spalding County Extension a $350 grant to install a Certified Pollinator Garden at the HLCG. Potato Creek Beekeeper’s Association has offered free set-up and maintenance of 2 beehives in 2021, as well as beekeeping programs. Flint River Iris Society has expressed an interest in donating equipment and supplies, and holding events and meetings at the new location. The original HLCG is still operating until January 1, 2021. As of October 2020, the total recorded amount of fruits and vegetables harvested had reached 488 lbs. Any excess or unclaimed produce was donated to Griffin area food banks.

State Issue

Urban Agriculture

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: County
• County: Spalding
• Location: College Station, Athens
• Program Areas:
  • 4-H Youth
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources
  • Family and Consumer Sciences