More than plants will be sprouting as the Morinville Centennial Community Gardens Society prepares for some major additions to its Champlain Park garden site.
Plans are in the works for the creation of wheelchair accessible pathways and plots, a new gazebo, and a native plant section.
The accessibility initiative is an important development as the society strives for maximum inclusion.
“We are kind of opening the park to a whole new aspect of the community that really couldn’t access it before,” society president Michelle Rheubottom says.
Plans for the latest phase in development began last year. Rheubottom says the society decided on what the new developments should include after considering many ideas such as a new water feature, an English garden and additional plots. The decision was made after the group assessed what was most important and realistic.
“It was based a lot on maintenance and development because we are a volunteer group so we have to think of things such as maintenance.”
After noticing that some members were experiencing difficulties navigating the plots, the society knew accessibility should be on the top of the list.
The group of approximately 30 members is not alone in its efforts. The Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD) has been a key player in the planning process by helping to educate the Community Gardens Society on the proper accessibility guidelines.
The small society is also grateful for the support it has received from the Town of Morinville which jumped in to donate picnic tables and benches and lower curb heights.
The society is also working on adding five new plots. It hopes the new developments encourage more people to come out and experience the joys of organic gardening. According to Rheubottom, being a part of the enthusiastic group of gardeners really is quite fun.
“We have a lot of experienced gardeners gardening alongside with people who are not quite so experienced,” she says. “We pass on knowledge and experience and tips and tricks. We learn together and grow together and we have a great time together as a group.”
The society is currently fundraising, finalizing plans and getting estimates for the project. Rheubottom says some building will be completed in the winter in hopes that the majority of the new developments will be in place by next year.
