by TaLeiza Calloway
news@thenewsleaders.com
Residents interested in the planting of a community garden in St. Joseph will get what they want – but they’ll have to wait until next year.
The city solicited interest in the park amenity earlier this year in its newsletter. Well, the people have spoken.
St. Joseph City Administrator Judy Weyrens told city council members earlier this month 12 residents expressed interest in starting a community garden in town. The goal is to start the garden next year, Weyrens said.
City staff is researching grant-funding to assist with the project.
The garden will be adjacent to the city’s water-treatment plant south of Interstate 94 on the frontage road. Plots could be 20 feet by 20 feet and are anticipated to cost about $25 annually.
The St. Joseph Park Board last month discussed the possibility of adding a community garden to Cloverdale Park. Board members decided that residential neighborhood park might not be an appropriate location but other upgrades such as a labyrinth, rock garden or gazebo are among suggested amenities.
Area cities with community gardens include St. Cloud, Sartell and Little Falls. For more information about how to secure a plot or questions about the proposed garden, contact St. Joseph City Hall at 363-7201.