La Porte PAC Center partners with city for State Street Garden Walk initiative

La Porte City Council has approved a new initiative aimed at enhancing community gardening efforts in the city. During the Board of Works & Public Safety meeting on April 22, 2025, council members unanimously passed a motion to establish a partnership between the city and the PAC Center, which will oversee the development of a new garden program.

The initiative, known as the State Street Garden Walk, will involve the transformation of nine brick planters along State Street into vegetable gardens, while maintaining floral arrangements in other areas. Jamie Novak from the PAC Center presented the proposal, highlighting the program's inspiration from South Bend's successful Unity Gardens. This project aims to provide fresh produce to the community and promote local gardening.

The city will take responsibility for watering the planters, with assistance from the street department for soil and mulch needs. Additionally, a local business may contribute to the watering efforts, ensuring the gardens thrive throughout the summer.

In other updates, the council received a report on the ongoing work on Seavers Road, which is expected to be completed by May 9, 2025. This timeline is crucial as Nipsco plans to conduct further work in the area following the city's completion.

The council's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing community resources and infrastructure, with the garden initiative poised to foster community engagement and improve access to fresh produce. As the program develops, it is anticipated to become a valuable asset for La Porte residents.