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Adelanto’s community garden, first proposed in 2018, is nearing completion.Councilwoman Stevevonna Evans championed the project, which aims to provide fresh food and a community gathering space.
The grand opening for Adelanto’s long-awaited community garden is around the corner.
The project was first envisioned by the Adelanto City Council in 2018. Councilwoman Stevevonna Evans assumed vigilance of the garden, and secured the necessary funding and resources to see the project to fruition.
The councilwoman addressed the lag in the garden’s opening at the late August Adelanto council meeting, noting that such postponements happen across cities nationwide, not just Adelanto.
She said she and City Manager Jessie Flores decided it would be best to host the garden’s grand opening in spring 2026, even though things are nearly ready now, due to winter freezes.
The plots, gates and foundation of the community garden are ready to go, Councilwoman Evans said, and public works personnel are “eager” to start building the garden bed boxes. There will be 28 boxes available for rent for residents to grow anything they please.
Councilwoman Evans told the Daily Press that the city hasn’t set a price for rent yet, but “it will be minimal.” Payment options will also be available for those with financial hardships.
“We are super excited to roll this out,” Councilwoman Evans said on social media, who mentioned previously that this garden is “the first of its kind in the region.”
In 2019, city staff organized a group to tour multiple neighboring community gardens. Garden enthusiasts carpooled to gardens throughout the Inland Empire to gather inspiration for their own.
The tour was a success, according to the Adelanto Possibilites Project, and helped Adelanto residents realize the importance of growing their own food.
The COVID-19 pandemic stunted the progress of the project, but the city council is back to work finalizing details for its grand opening.
Councilwoman Evans never gave up on the garden dream and says it matters because it not only provides fresh, healthy food for families in need, but also helps beautify the neighborhood and promotes sustainability.
Additionally, she believes the community garden creates a safe space for community gathering and education and empowers residents with resources to grow their own food.
McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com.
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