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Feasibility study finds broad support for Wellington community garden; board to finalize plan
Summary
A feasibility study presented at the March 12 PROS meeting found broad community support for a Wellington community garden and identified three candidate sites; board members asked staff to prepare a final draft for spring review and possible inclusion in the master plan.
A feasibility study presented at the March 12 meeting of the Wellington Town Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Advisory Board found wide local support for a community garden and recommended moving the study to a final draft for board review.
The report’s lead presenter, Alexis, said 94% of survey respondents agreed a community garden would “benefit the community,” and that the survey drew about 100 responses. Alexis told the board the study also showed 73% of respondents were not familiar with community gardening practices, about 60% of respondents reported limited or no access to non-potable water at their homes, and 18% had no access to gardening space at their residence.
The study asked residents to rate three candidate sites. Alexis summarized the site scores as: Viewpoint (73% satisfied), Winnick (about 67%), and Wellsville (about 59%). The presenter said Viewpoint carried a slight edge in the line‑by‑line analysis because more responses came from Viewpoint and Sage Meadow neighborhoods.
Board discussion focused on site selection and practical considerations. Members and staff raised security, visibility and irrigation as deciding factors: some board members said a location on a busy road (Winnick) might deter vandalism because of greater street traffic and house surveillance, while Viewpoint is more tucked back in and therefore may require additional design for safety. Participants also emphasized program elements such as compost delivery, fencing and water access as essential cost and maintenance drivers.
Alexis said she will produce a final draft after spring break that incorporates board feedback and any additional data queries. Several PROS members suggested the final draft be posted on the town website and considered for inclusion in Wellington’s upcoming master plan to help secure funding and community buy‑in.
Next steps listed at the meeting included drafting a final study for board sign‑off and coordinating with parks staff on infrastructure requirements if the board later approves a site and an implementation schedule.
