Residents and gardeners contest proposed move of Grow to Share garden to DeSanctis Park

Several residents and gardeners spoke during public comment June 24 to oppose or seek more information about a proposed move of the Grow to Share community garden to DeSanctis Park (recorded as Sanctus Park).

Gary Meyer told the council he received a postcard about relocating the community garden "to the Sanctus Park" and said "this is the first time that we've heard of this and would like more information, and then we can express our concerns." Matthew Utes said he received the same postcard and expressed strong opposition to moving Grow to Share to DeSanctis Park, adding that part of the park "has not been mowed the same as the rest of the parks in River Falls" since 2023.

Resident Benjamin Fox spoke in favor of keeping a community garden program in River Falls and said community gardens provide opportunities for renters and others to grow food and connect: "producing food is an important part of who we are...it allows an opportunity to people in rentals or everything else to actually produce food that they'll eat and nourish themselves." Mary McNamara also raised concerns related to stormwater and flooding near a proposed development site north of Woodridge and emphasized neighbors' worries about access for emergency vehicles and maintaining airflow; those comments were made in the same public‑comment block addressing nearby development and park issues.

City staff did not make a formal announcement or take action on the garden relocation during the June 24 meeting. Residents said they had not received detailed information and asked for follow‑up. The record indicates the Park and Recreation Advisory Board had received copies of a resident email, and staff indicated they will provide additional information in follow‑up communications and take public concerns into account as planning proceeds.