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<br />from the landowner, and also offers a large space. This location is in close proximity of two mobile <br />home parks and walking distance from townhomes and two large apartment buildings. Major concerns <br />at this location would be usability of the land (e.g. soil tests, zoning, other restrictions), parking, and <br />water accessibility. <br />Construction <br />Construction of the community garden would include clearing the site of the garden and prepping the <br />site for growing. Additional items to consider are; building and installing garden boxes, bringing in soil <br />for the boxes, plot sizes, installing hose connections, building a fence around the site, and adding a shed. <br />The cost could be anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 depending upon the materials selected and the extent <br />of work. There could be an additional cost of $25,000+ if a parking lot or additional on-street parking <br />was needed. Fencing and garden boxes could be eliminated but may increase the likelihood of animals <br />or others taking the vegetables and flowers. In addition, the fence may be unsightly and cost prohibitive. <br />Rain barrels or an elevated water tank may need to be constructed to provide the garden with water. <br />Abutting residents or businesses could be approached on the possibility of providing water to the site. <br />Signage would need to be installed as well. <br />Fiscal Consideration <br />Initial cost range - $5,000 to $25,000+. Estimated costs: <br />• Black vinyl chain-link fencing - $27.00/LF <br />• Shed - $1,500 <br />• Signage - $500 <br />• Hand tools - $200 <br />• Water source - $200 - $1,500 <br />• Wood containers - $200/ea. <br />• Soil and Misc. - $500 <br />• Parking – get estimates from City Engineer <br />Yearly maintenance and operating costs would need to be budgeted for depending on the size and <br />overall layout of the community garden. Possible sources of revenue are: <br />• Partnerships <br />o Little Canada Farmers Market <br />o Apartments/Mobile Home Community <br />o Minnesota Grown/Master Gardener <br />o Involvement from local schools/churches <br />• Plot Fees <br />• Fundraisers <br />Next Steps <br />Staff is looking for recommendations and input from the commission on if the community garden <br />should continue to be pursued further and possible locations for the garden. <br />Attachments: <br />• Attachment A - Potential locations <br />• Community Gardening in MN – A Snapshot Of 2016 (source:gardeningmatters.org)