Springbrook gardeners allege mismanagement, hostile caretaker and rotting produce

Two speakers raised concerns about mismanagement and exclusionary practices at the Springbrook community garden during the Aug. 18 public‑comment period, asking the city to investigate access, caretaker conduct and food waste.

Charles Ames, a Springbrook neighborhood resident who said he walks the park daily and reports maintenance issues to 311, told the council he has received reports that the community-garden caretaker has verbally assaulted and intimidated garden users. Ames said witnesses are available and asked the council to “attend to this matter.”

A later virtual commenter, who identified himself as Jerry Lee Ellis and said he is from the Springbrook community, described repeated attempts to get a plot and said the garden manager, identified as Kenny Knowles, had been “hostile,” had called police on Mr. Ellis and threatened legal action. Ellis said the garden’s water had been shut off for a couple of weeks, that produce has been allowed to rot, and that some community members have been blocked from accessing plots. “I would highly recommend that a different garden manager be assigned,” he said.

Speakers said rotting food in a community garden is especially concerning given local food‑security needs and the city’s broader outreach to people experiencing homelessness. Council did not take formal action during the Aug. 18 meeting but heard requests for investigation and for staff follow-up. City staff were not recorded taking an action on the dais; residents asked the council to ensure access and to review the garden manager arrangement so community members who need food are not excluded from plots.

The council invited the public to continue to report problems through 311 and to follow up with the city clerk if necessary so the city can investigate and respond.