On Saturday, a Community Garden cleanup took place at Cook St. Park to help restore the garden beds that are vital for many community members.
Ward 2 Councilor Obed Matul took charge of the event, and emphasized the importance of the cleanup.
“We’re doing this because a lot of families depend on this,” Matul said. “There are over 30 families that grow their own food here themselves.”
He mentioned that the gardens were in rough shape and that this is the one part of the park that really hasn’t been focused on yet.
ARPA funds had previously helped with renovations of the park and the basketball court, which are now both in great shape. What’s left is the garden, which should be set to be restored by early May.
“Now we’ll make sure the garden then matches that,” Matul said.
The process for restoring it started Saturday, with more of a cleaning session. It will follow with power washes that will be going down to help at some point this week. Carpenters will then be brought in to restore the beds. The date for when that will take place is to be determined.
The garden will be fully restored by May, which is when the gardeners begin their work.
Matul also stressed that the space and the greenery around it has been very underutilized in the past, which he hopes to change.
“We’ll be able to use this area now for gatherings, like small community events…” Matul said. “There can be so many things to do here.”
Matul also mentioned that other councilors came to support Saturday’s event, and thanked other businesses in the community for making it possible, like Macario Landscaping, which brought the tools to maintain the garden, as well as Obtech Services, which will power wash stonewall and work on the garden. The DPW also provided dumps for the cleanup.
He emphasized that the garden is situated near three schools and neighborhoods, and there are a lot of people who come here. He also said that it’s on the community to do its part to maintain the beds.
“I call neighbors and the community to ask to help maintain the garden and to keep it clean,” Matul said. “If you see trash or someone littering, I urge you to do your part and help.”
