05-02-2024 Parks & Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Laura Linehan, Community Relations Manager Bill Dircks, Public Works Director DATE: May 2, 2024 RE: Community Garden Feasibility Analysis ACTION REQUESTED No action is requested. BACKGROUND 2828 Condit Street On January 10, the City Council also authorized the purchase of the 3.24-acre property located at 2828 Condit Street. The sale closed on April 15. Over the past 25 years, the City of Little Canada has acquired five adjacent parcels along Country Drive. The acquisition of the property will create a 4.65-acre parcel for future redevelopment. Community Garden Feasibility Analysis Previously owned by Don and Mary Gagne, the property is located between Country Drive and Condit Street and a portion of it was historically used for farming strawberries. While the parcel is planned for future development, it is unlikely to occur within the next three to five years. Therefore, the city has considered a community garden as an interim use of the property. There is about .75 acres of land (approximately 32,000 square feet) available for gardening. City staff has begun analyzing the feasibility of a community garden at 2828 Condit Street. Several components are being considered, outlined in Table 1. Table 1: Considerations for Community Garden Feasibility Category Analysis needed Soil While previously farmed, is the soil in a condition that will foster a successful growing season? Fencing How will the property be fenced to allow for gardening access while prohibiting wildlife? Access/parking How will gardeners access their plots? Where can gardeners park? Size of Plot/Number of Plots What is the right number of plots and size of plots? Water What is the best method to provide water for use? Outreach How will we reach out to the community to determine interest in a plot? Administrative What will an application consist of? What fee would be associated with a plot? ATTACHMENTS: A. Property Map