Kearns denied community garden

For the second year in a row, efforts to bring a community garden to Kearns have fallen short. A petition submitted to Salt Lake County as part of the Urban Farming program was denied. Kearns Community Council member Chrystal Butterfield submitted the petition.

“I think we just didn’t have enough signatures from community members,” she said. “Last year our petition had about 30 fewer signatures than the city who was awarded the garden, and I would guess that’s what happened again this year.”

SL County designated two possible sites for the garden: David Gourley Park, 4300 West 5015 South, and Mountain Man Park, 5200 West Heath Ave (5000 South). Community garden areas are usually subdivided and anyone, for a minimal fee, can grow a garden in their plot.

“I had churches, the Kearns Youth Council and even the Kearns royalty who all said they would like to care for a plot,” Butterfield said. “The wonderful thing about a community garden is that everyone kind of takes care of everyone’s plot. If they see a weed, they pull it out.”

Along with the garden, Butterfield wanted to create a Farmers Market, something the KCC has talked about starting.

“I think the timing of this year’s petition was bad. Signatures were collected over the holidays, and that’s such a busy time for people. I think we could get the garden if we could find a few people in the community willing to get things started,” Butterfield said.

Those interested in helping can contact Butterfield at plantgirl_72@yahoo.com.