New Community Garden Christened in Richmond Beach

Around 30 people were on hand for the dedication of a new community garden at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Richmond Beach Tuesday evening.

Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan, Deputy Mayor Will Hall, City Council Members Chris Roberts and Chris Eggen, and City Manager Julie Underwood participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, a defining moment after several months of hard work since volunteers broke ground on the project in February.

"This is the type of project where people could come together, and the church could engage in a partnership with the community," said Anne-Marie Heckt, the garden manager.

Thus far, numerous community members have become involved with the garden, including a group of third-graders from the Madrona School in Edmonds, whose families have adopted a plot to grow for the local food bank.

"It's really fun! It makes me want to grow my own garden," said Logan, one of the third-graders that volunteers weekly. However, the students are getting more out of the process than just the amusement.

"Their (the students) ultimate goal is to pick the food, and take it to the food bank to see the end result," said Sharon Hood, a parent of one of the students.

"I wish more churches that had the property would do it," said Vidette McDowall, another Madrona parent.

About a third of the plots have been rented out, with the yield from the other plots going to Hopelink. Since the church began harvesting in mid-May, 107 pounds of fresh, organic produce have been donated to the organization.

"It's just amazing. Getting the fresh, nutritious produce is so important, and the fact that it comes from the local community is even better," said Leslie Brooks, Hopelink's Shoreline manager.

For more information on the garden, and how to rent a plot, call the church at 206-542-6181, or email them at info@calvinpc.org