SAN ANGELO, Texas, November 17, 2017 (Newswire.com) - During his travels across the country, Jack Scruggs sees a growing trend among the smaller communities. Cities are transforming empty green spaces into large community gardens.
When returning home from his travels, Scruggs drove by an overgrown lot in his city. He noticed the area was getting plenty of sunlight and had a river not far away.
When I do pitch this idea to city council, I hope to have donors in place.
Jack Scruggs
"That is when I came up with the idea of our city in San Angelo, Texas building a community garden," Scruggs says. "The plot of land is perfect for the idea, and the results would be great for the city."
Scruggs believes the community garden will serve as an opportunity to learn about social responsibility through sustainable living. The garden will also be an outdoor study area for local schools.
More importantly, the garden would be a great way to bring the community together for a common goal.
Scruggs hopes to create a multi-use community centerpiece unlike anything else in the city. The garden would be more than just a set of raised vegetable beds. It would also be an open and welcoming space that encourages residents to sew the seeds of herbs and vegetables, as well as sewing the seeds of community and creativity.
Participation By Local Schools
Rather than stay indoors, Scruggs expects students of the local school system to partake in maintaining the garden.
"My goal for the community garden is to make it a spot where people can come and enjoy the scenery," says Scruggs. "Not only to help grow vegetables but also relax and make it a spot to socialize."
Creating an outdoor space where students can take part in organic growing would teach sustainable living. The students would also learn about environmental sustainability.
Creating Multi-Purpose Green Space
Citizens of the community will tend to the garden portion of the grounds, but can also spend part of their day relaxing. Whether socializing on the picnic benches and open spaces, there would be plenty of space.
"Ideas keep coming to mind when I think about what we can do with that spot," Scruggs says. "I've seen many other community gardens, but I want this to be the standard for future projects."
Another idea by Scruggs is to be able to enjoy performances in the garden by building a grass amphitheater. This facility would be an outdoor stage for actors and plays.
There will be a wall facing the audience on the grass that can project movies and images. This idea would make the grounds usable after the sun sets.
"I want to make the garden incredibly versatile and diverse for the community," adds Scruggs.
Financial Backing By Donors And City
Scruggs is confident he would be able to achieve the goal of the community garden by stable financial backing. This plan would come from donors around the community.
"It's critical to find donors that will fund this project entirely," says Scruggs. "When I do pitch this idea to city council, I hope to have donors in place."
Having donors would keep the city off the hook when it comes to financial backing. Privately funded projects seem to proceed to fruition over something that the city has to pay.
Scruggs drives by the plot every day, and more ideas develop in his mind. He will prepare when he is ready to pitch the idea to city council.
"I hope to have a few key community members on my side before I go before city council," explains Scruggs. "Having any help, whether with funding or a petition, would be a great first step."
Until then, Scruggs will think of more ideas for the location. But he hopes shortly he will be relaxing in a green space the city can enjoy as a whole.
Source: Web Presence, LLC
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