Madison selectmen approve use of Burkefield for community garden; seed swap set for May 9

The Town of Madison Board of Selectmen on May 8 approved a request letting the Madison Community Garden nonprofit use the lower part of Burkefield for community plots and related activities.

Cat, a community garden organizer, told the board the plan calls for up to 12 raised beds, each 4 by 4 feet. She said the group’s estimated setup cost is $2.50 per bed and that residents could lease a plot for the season for $25. The organizers plan to install fencing, pursue sponsorships and hold educational events, guest lectures and community dinners alongside growing space.

Cat said the group has installed and primed a hand pump near the river to provide water, and that after priming the flow ran clear. She described the group’s organizational setup: it will operate as a nonprofit with an EIN and a board, and she noted insurance estimates are “looking kind of expensive,” so the group will fundraise through seed-swaps, raffles and sponsorships.

A committee member moved that the board sign the memorandum authorizing use of the town property; another member seconded the motion. Board members voiced support and acknowledged that Primex — the town’s insurance/lease adviser mentioned during discussion — has been consulted about lease and insurance requirements. The motion was carried by voice assent; no formal roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Organizers invited the public to a seed-swap on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the lower ball field next to Forest Brook to raise awareness and recruit plot lessees. The garden club also noted its spring sale on May 16.

The meeting adjourned after the board moved and seconded to close the session.

The selectmen asked organizers to keep the board updated on insurance and lease arrangements as they finalize plans.