Penn's Ridge Residents Plan Community Garden

A group of parents from Forks Township’s Penn's Ridge Development are looking to start a community garden.

Township zoning officer Tim Weis said he met with Penn’s Ridge resident Amy Hohn last month to discuss the garden project. The residents want to use a small parcel of township property for the garden.

If approved, the garden will be 50 feet by 50 feet near a parking lot by Penn’s Ridge Park and will be maintained by children and parent-volunteers.

“The township involvement would be limited as to not to expend too many tax dollars,” said Weis.

The hope is to have the township till soil, landscape and provide pest control. Rain-catch barrels are being looked at as a possible source for water. Since the property is on township land, residents who live in the development on Penn’s Ridge Boulevard need township permission.

Several local businesses have already agreed to donate toward the garden. Companies like Ace Hardware, Advantage Fence and Palmer Nursery will donate seeds, tools and wood. Residents have also started a fund-raising campaign to assist in the effort and more donations will be needed.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Supervisor C. David Howell.

Plans for the project are still being worked out. The hope is to utilize the parcel year-round as a pumpkin patch in the fall, a dog park through the winter months and an Easter egg hunt site in the spring.

Formal plans for the garden will have to be submitted to the township for board approval.