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Mayor Miro Weinberger, Community Partners, Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Celebrate Archibald Neighborhood Garden Grand Re-Opening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2015
Contact:  Mike Kanarick
                 802.735.7962

Mayor Miro Weinberger, Community Partners, Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Celebrate Archibald Neighborhood Garden Grand Re-Opening
Land Purchase and Remediation Preserves Garden for Old North End Neighborhood

Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger today officially re-opened the Archibald neighborhood garden, which has been fully rehabilitated following the City’s recent purchase of the land from the Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties (VNA). The garden, located at 28 Archibald Street near the Integrated Arts Academy and across the street from the Old North End Farmers’ Market, has been a vibrant community hub since 2007, when a group of Old North End residents came together to grow their own fresh, healthy food. The site now provides garden space for 24 households and several youth groups.

“This project is an important investment in the food security and community health of our City,” said Mayor Weinberger. “The Archibald neighborhood garden provides space for Old North End residents of all ages and backgrounds to learn and grow together.”

The grassroots group Grow Team ONE operated the Archibald neighborhood garden with support from the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront until 2013, when the garden joined the Burlington Area Community Gardens system under the City's new Neighborhood Garden designation. The City’s land acquisition from the VNA was made possible with funds from with the Conservation Legacy Fund and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Additionally, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Brownfields Program provided funds to support site assessments and planning for site cleanup. A grant from the Vermont Agency of Commerce made rehabilitation possible, which resulted in new soil and raised beds for the entire site.

The Mayor was joined by many community partners at today’s garden re-opening, including: City Council President Jane Knodell; Judy Peterson, President and CEO, VNA; Jess Hyman, Executive Director, Vermont Community Garden Network; and Jesse Bridges, Director, Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, along with other Parks staff. The garden’s purchase and remediation work were made possible through these important community partnerships.

The remediation and rebuilding took place during April and May 2015, with more than 160 yards of clean fill, topsoil, and organic compost, 3,000 board feet of lumber, and more than 500 hours of service provided by over 90 community volunteers. The site also received a new fence and water system.

 

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Press Release Date: 
06/11/2015
City Department: 
Mayor's Office