DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – Just in time for the growing season, a new community garden has been planted in De Pere.
Nestled in the back yard of apartment buildings, De Pere Lions Park now has a long-awaited Community Garden that broke ground Tuesday.
“Last year, we just ran out of time before the planting season started.”
Derek Beiderweiden, a De Pere Lions Club member says the project was spearheaded by the City of De Pere, the De Pere Lions Club and the Brown CountyCommunity Gardens Program.
“We built a platform and have an 1100 gallon water tank,” he said. “We have the thing tilled out and we are ready for people to start planting food here.”
He says being next to apartment buildings may spark an interest.
“They don’t own the land and they can’t have a garden unless it is on their patio or balcony and that is not really right.”
The garden holds 25 plots, but 19 were already rented before the groundbreaking.
“This really expands the opportunity for people to grow some fresh food and be able to consume it.”
The garden is located at 863 Killarny Trail in De Pere.
The program started in 1996 with hopes to decrease hunger and increase food security. More than 350 plots are rented in the county.
The water tank was donated by the Lions Club. The tilling of the plot was coordinated by the city and the work was done by a local farmer.
To inquire about renting a plot, call 920-391-4660 or email browncountycommunitygardens@gmail.com.
