All plots have been reserved for the 2024 season!
We are closing the application process for this year.
Fairfield Community Garden Project
Fundraising Update
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our initial fundraising event. With your help, last fall we raised over $9000 and were able to put up fencing, apply heavy-duty fabric road cloth in the pathways, build 40 raised beds that measure 4’ x 16’, mulch the pathways, and filled half of the beds with high-quality raised bed soil. We are now getting ready for our first growing season!
Our Next Fundraising Goal is $16000
These funds will allow us to finish filling the raised beds, purchase necessary watering supplies, garden tools, pollinating perennials, a garden bench, a portable vegetable washing station, a picnic table with awning, a rainwater collection system, compost bins, and some solar lighting.
What is the Fairfield Community Garden Project (FCGP)
This project will provide the area's first city-sponsored community garden. The site is at the west end of O.B. Nelson Park, where the old swimming pool was located. The area selected is flat and sunny measuring 100' x 100'. Our vision is to provide Fairfield area residents with a space where they can learn and use sustainable gardening methods to grow healthy and delicious food. The City provided the land, water hydrant, and wood mulch. The project is sponsored by the City of Fairfield, the Sustainable Living Coalition, and the Fairfield Volunteer Center. Some business leaders have already made significant donations to the project:
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Everybody's Whole Foods Market
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Community First Credit Union
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Iowa State Bank
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Miller Realty
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Hy-Vee
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Hickenbottoms
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MIU
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Dusty Fox Wind
The initial design includes a tall protective fence, 40 raised garden plots filled with high quality raised bed soil, mulched pathways, a tool shed with tools, compost bins, and a pollinator garden.
Who can use the community garden?
Up to forty garden plots can be leased annually for a small fee on a first come, first serve basis. Low-to-moderate income households may be eligible for a sponsored membership. Non-profit and educational organizations are invited to participate as well. Members can grow food for their household or donate it to a charitable organization. Membership fees will help cover the cost of maintaining and improving the garden site.
Meeting the needs of the Community
A community garden makes nutritious food more available and can reduce grocery bills for families. It brings neighbors from different backgrounds and ages together in a way that encourages community pride. In addition to providing healthy food, exercise, and quality outdoor time, gardening inspires people to be more creative in all areas of life. It is a great way to introduce children to science and help them understand ecosystems. A survey of the Fairfield community has shown there is strong interest in having more space to grow healthy food and learning more about sustainable gardening.