Work will begin next spring to regrade this community garden space and create 22 new raised garden beds thanks to nearly $6000 in PLANT Grant funding.
Photo by Dorri Partain
Dorri Partain
Managing Editor
An orchard planted in Lykins Square Park and a community garden nestled in the Pendleton Heights neighborhood are the recipients of Kansas City’s first microloan grant to support production of fresh produce and fruits grown by and for neighbors in urban communities.
This PLANT (Promoting Local Agriculture and Neighborhood Transformation) Program grant – through the City’s Neighborhood Services Department — is distributing over $200,000 in funding to 23 organizations committed to providing and expanding local food production opportunities.
At the intersection of Minnie and Brooklyn avenues, the PH Garden utilizes a large vacant lot which provides garden space for residents with small yards. Pendleton Heights resident Whitney Barnardo has contributed countless volunteer hours as both a steward for this community garden and nearby community orchard. This PLANT Grant of $5794.00 will allow the garden site to be regraded and the replacement of the current raised garden beds.
“We plan to replace 22 of the garden beds,” said Barnardo. “Many of our raised beds are over 10 years old and the wood has begun to rot. We will also be doing some site work, including regrading some of the paths, to improve maintenance and better accommodate our in-ground gardeners. Our hope is to partner with Jerusalem Farm and Urban Produce Push on the site work, as well as garden box builds.”
This funding will purchase new pressure-treated lumber for the raised beds, topsoil and construction. The remainder will pay for equipment rental and compensation to volunteers.
“My goal for all of the green spaces is to start paying partners— Jerusalem Farm, Kansas City Community Gardens and/or Urban Produce Push — for their time. These big improvements are a lot of work and cannot solely rely on volunteers,” Barnardo said.
Barnardo expects the grading and bed construction work to begin next spring to prepare for the growing season while residents and gardeners will be meeting over the next six months to finalize plans.
In Lykins Square Park ( Eighth St. and Myrtle Ave.), a community orchard will be expanded and maintained by two new orchard stewards, thanks to $10,000 awarded through this year’s PLANT Grant.
The application was submitted by Angie Hicks-Curtis, Lykins Neighborhood Association’s Executive Director, to support this orchard — offering apples, pears and cherries — planted by The Giving Grove a decade ago.
“Over the next 10 months, the grant will support two part-time orchard stewards, a coordinator, and new infrastructure including a watering system & hose cage,” said Hicks-Curtis. “The project also includes the purchase of pruning tools, mulch, compost and fertilizer, plus the planting of two new fruit trees this fall.”
Hicks-Curtis stated the coordinator and orchard stewards – both Lykins’ neighborhood residents – will work closely with Kansas City Community Gardens (KCCG) which provides seasonal training in pruning, watering, and orchard management. Neighbors will also be invited to participate during planting and maintenance work days.
“The orchard is more than just trees — it’s a community space where families can connect, learn, and enjoy the simple gift of fresh fruit,” said Hicks-Curtis. Operating on a self-harvest model, anyone is welcome to pick fresh fruit from these trees to ensure fresh produce is accessible to all regardless of income.
To become involved with the Pendleton Heights Community Garden, visit www.phkc.org
For more information about the Lykins Community Orchard, visit
www.lykinsneighborhood.com
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