Community Gardens Mini-Grant Awards
Community Gardens: Sustainable Community Action to Improve Health
Through a grant from the National Governor's Association "Healthy America" Initiative, the Utah Department of Health funded the garden projects listed below. Mini-grants from $1,300 to $4,000 were awarded to enhance or start new community gardens in Salt Lake or Weber Counties. Over twenty applications were received from potential community garden projects. Lynda Blades is the Utah Department of Health coordinator for this project - lblades@utah.gov or 801-538-6229.
Ten awards were given to support four existing gardens and six new gardens. Factors related to the community’s health and income status were considered when scoring and selecting projects to be funded. All projects will provide community members with opportunities for physical activity and improved access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Printable List of Funded Gardens (PDF).
Forest EcoGarden - 1575 W. 1000 N.
Jeff Ward - 801-364-2122, jeff@treeutah.org
The garden project's goal is to engage the Rose Park community through gardening workshops, classes, and events. Partners include Day-Riverside Library, U of U Lowell Bennion Center, SLC Urban Forestry Division, and SLC Parks & Recreation.
Full Circle Garden - 555 E. 200 S.
Shea Wickelson - 801-596-8489, shea@cityacademyslc.org
The school-based project will benefit not only students but surrounding businesses and apartment residents. Students will learn about biology, cooking, and food preservation techniques through this project. Partners include City Academy, Action for Healthy Kids, West High School, and Western Garden Center.
Heritage Commons Garden - 2140 E. Red Butte Rd.
Aaron Sisson - 801-587-0852, asisson@housing.utah.edu
The garden will be developed at Heritage Commons - the site utilized as "Olympic Village" during the 2002 Winter Games. Partners include Housing & Residential Education and Shoreline Ridge Community Council. Plans are to focus on organic gardening and provide gardening education to residents.
Historic Sandy Garden - 300 E. 9000 S.
Jenny Winkel or Shane Siwik, utahgardens@comcast.net
The garden is being developed at a new location in the Historic Sandy City neighborhood. Partners include Utah GARDENS and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Target is low-income families and individuals who wish to stretch their grocery dollar by supplementing with garden produce.
Pioneer Garden - 2046 Adams Ave.
Crystine Riches - 801-393-8130, wnriches@yahoo.com
The project will provide stability and unity among residents of this low-income and highly transient Ogden neighborhood. Produce will be available on Sundays to those in need. Sponsors include Pioneer Ward (LDS Church) and Pioneer Lawn & Landscape.
Riley Pride Garden - 1410 S. 800 W.
Christi Paulson - 801-974-8310, christi.paulson@slc.k12.ut.us
The garden project located at Riley Elementary School has a strong focus on parental involvement. Students will have a chance to be more active and to try new fruits and vegetables. Produce will be distributed to students and their families. Partners include Slow Food Utah and the Parent Teacher Association.
Seven Canyons School - 2150 S. Foothill Dr.
Jennifer Hamilton - 801-463-1360, sevencanyonschool.jhamilton@earthlink.net
The elementary school-based project will involve Biodynamic Farming methods of gardening. Students, staff, teachers, and parents will maintain the garden and community workshops will be offered. Partnering with First Congregational Church and Utah Organics.
South Valley Gardens - 7631 Chapel Street and
244 E. Vine Street
Billy Swartzfager - 801-256-9008, williamswartzfager@yahoo.com
Enhancements will be made to gardens at Boys and Girls Clubs in Midvale and Murray. The gardening experience will be incorporated into academic lessons while gaining the opportunity for proper nutrition and physical activity. With the fresh produce, the onsite "Kid's Café" will provide healthy snacks and meals to low-income children, teens, and families.
Urban Growth - 300 N. 900 W.
Gina Zivkovic - 801-638-0666, djohnhansen@mac.com
The project will provide opportunities for Fairpark residents to beautify and revitalize their community while benefiting from being physically active in the garden. Partners include First Step House, Of The Earth, People's Market, Reagan Outdoor Advertising, and others.
Watchwood Garden - 2200 W. 4130 S.
Priscilla Jones - 801-955-1055, pjones@pureutah.com
The garden will be developed on a lot that has been vacant for 30 years. Raised plots will allow accessibility to those who have challenges working at ground level. Partners include Taylorsville Elementary School, Salt Lake Community College, and the City of Taylorsville.
Helpful Resources:
- Community Gardens Handbook Excerpt:
- Word Document (800KB)
- Rich Text Format (800KB)
- Community Gardens Resource Guide:
- Word Document (1.3MB)
- Rich Text Format (1.3MB)
See the News page for more information about the Utah Department of Health's NGA "Healthy America" Initiative application and grant.
