Lima's South Jackson Community Garden, a green space that has evolved significantly beyond its original purpose of food cultivation, recently hosted Activate Allen County’s annual Fall Community Block Party. The event celebrated the garden's transformation into a comprehensive park-like atmosphere, now serving as a hub for community engagement and activity. Residents were invited to the gathering to connect with local agencies, participate in various activities, and enjoy free food, highlighting years of collaborative investment in the property.
Over the past seven years, the South Jackson Community Garden has grown from a few simple garden beds into a multi-faceted urban green space, according to reports. Key additions to the property include restrooms, a pavilion, newly installed sidewalks, and an urban orchard, enhancing the site's amenities for public use. These developments aim to make the space enjoyable for Lima residents throughout the year.
The extensive improvements at the garden are the result of a partnership between Activate Allen County, Cenovus Energy, and the City of Lima. These organizations have collectively invested in the property, fostering its growth and development. Heather Rutz, Team Lead for U.S. Communication at Cenovus Energy, spoke about the initiative, noting that one of Cenovus’s focus areas is resilient communities. She described the transformed garden as a tangible example of this focus, praising the collective efforts of the community and neighborhood in creating, building, and improving the space. Rutz specifically highlighted the gardens, the new orchard, the restrooms, and the pavilion as examples of the collaborative spirit that brought the space to fruition for the benefit of the community.
Ric Stolly, Deputy Public Works Director for the City of Lima, emphasized the connection between the garden's evolution and the city's broader goals for its residents. Stolly stated that improving the quality of life is a central mission for Lima City Parks. He observed that the garden, with its various vendors and activities present at the block party, has grown in ways that meet many of the city's needs to support quality of life improvements across the community.
Chad Welker, Associate Director for Activate Allen County, reflected on the impact of community investment in public spaces. Welker explained that when individuals care about a particular space and invest in it, they are more likely to take care of it, according to his observations. He noted that Activate Allen County has overseen the management of the space, including the installation of the community orchard and a new play area, and facilitating the addition of the pavilion. Welker underscored the garden's new role, stating that it now offers the community a place to learn, forge connections, and ultimately to “learn how to live active lives.”
In a continuing effort to enhance the garden's offerings, Cenovus Energy assisted with the installation of a new play area. This addition is expected to be completed and fully operational “this coming week,” further expanding the recreational opportunities available at the South Jackson Community Garden.