CG from WestportNOw. April 16, 2004 Community Correspondent Report: Gardeners Organize (Editor's Note: With the report below, WestportNow launches its new "community correspondent" program in which we encourage Westport residents to submit news reports to WestportNow. The views expressed or implied, if any, are the sole responsibility of the contributing correspondent.)
By Juliet Balian WestportNow Community Correspondent More than 20 Westporters met Thursday night with Community Garden organizers Tor Spore and Cris Singer to sign up for the long-promised community garden plots. It's not Westport 's Community Garden…but one day ours could be like this. Contributed photo Meeting at the Westport Public Library, the attendees approved the group's mission statement and rules and regulations for gardening at the community plots when and if they become available. The Westport Community gardens were displaced four years ago from the Wakeman Farm and since then have been waiting for a new place to plant their roots. Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, an advocate for the gardens, has promised on numerous occasions to find the gardens a home. And finally, the dream seems to be nearing reality. Part of the town-acquired Jaeger property adjoining Long Lots Elementary School is slated for community gardens -- that is if the Parks and Rec Department does not use the land for playing fields. Gardeners, like other town constituents, are fighting for fair access to public lands and resources. Residents seeking passive use of public lands, like gardening or walking with their dog, ask for very little in comparison to those engaging in inactive uses of public lands like golfers, or soccer players. Tax dollars from passive land users support the golfers, boaters, and skaters, but when it comes to getting a small share of parks' resources, there is a battle. The future of community gardens in Westport is unclear despite the years of waiting and the promises made. If you have an interest in community gardening or other passive uses of public lands, please contact Cris Singer at 2227-7747 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Posted April 16, 2004 01:06 PM | TrackBack
