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Curtis Middle School students propose upgrades to Lincoln Meadows community garden
Summary
A team of Curtis Middle School students presented a civics project recommending fencing, improved water access via a solar well, better storage, and clearer walkways at Lincoln Meadows community garden; they reported a 67-person survey and estimated costs of roughly $10,000–$15,000.
Eight-grade students from Curtis Middle School presented a civic proposal to the Sudbury Conservation Commission on June 9 seeking upgrades to the Lincoln Meadows community garden. Chair David Henkels opened the discussion and the students—Catie Goldman, Kayla Goodman, Caroline Thompson Schwab, Gabrielle Pajarillaga and Avery Booth—walked commissioners through photographs, survey results and a set of practical recommendations.
The students said inconsistent fencing, limited water availability, narrow overgrown walkways and a shed that was not weather‑proof were key reasons for low garden use. They reported conducting a survey of 67 respondents from Sudbury and nearby towns that showed many residents were unaware of the garden but that a strong majority supported improvements. The group proposed four main interventions: uniform fencing for plots, a weatherproof shed or shed upgrade, improved accessible walkways and a solar well with irrigation to provide reliable water access. They provided a preliminary project estimate ranging from about $10,000 to $15,000 and noted paving costs could vary by material from about $1.25 to $15 per square foot.
Coordinator Lori Capone and Chair Henkels described next steps for the students, including exploring funding through the Community Preservation Committee and following local permitting channels such as filing a Notice of Intent or a Request for Determination of Applicability. Capone told the Commission that $40,000 had been secured for a related solar-well project (status described during the meeting), and Henkels encouraged the students to research funding mechanisms and town permitting processes. Commissioner Ken Holtz suggested future presentations include a cost estimate; the students reported they had provided the rough numbers they used.
Gary Grassey, the teacher who supported the students, said the project was intended to teach students how to work with local government and follow procedures, praising them as “an outstanding group.” Catie Goldman said the students hoped their presentation would prompt further discussion among town officials and residents; when asked if they had additional information, Goldman said there was “not much more to add at that time.”
The Commission thanked the students and recommended they consider other town resources and clubs at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School to continue the work. The students expressed a desire to keep the project active as they enter high school and indicated they would continue outreach to advance implementation.
The Commission did not vote on any permit or funding request at the meeting; members instead offered guidance on next procedural and funding steps.
