GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In Grand Rapids, a community garden will be blooming downtown this summer.
About 40 to 50 plots will be installed on Seward Avenue NW for people to plant their own gardens. There will be raised beds of various sizes for people to claim.
The gardens are being supported by Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc., and will be completely free for residents to use.
Bill Kirk, communications director for Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc., said the project was made possible after hearing feedback from the community about a need for more access to fresh food.
"Just want to create a place for people to gather and grow food. And we'll be programming it throughout the year," he said. "So it'll be a wonderful place for neighbors or really anyone to come down and connect."
While everyone is welcome to use the garden, priority will go to those living downtown without a yard.
The construction on the garden is currently underway. An irrigation system is being installed to help water the plants. Kirk said people are already getting involved.
"A lot of people show interest in the project itself," he said. "So we're really pleased with the community feedback we've gotten."
He said 30 or 40 people have already signed up, either to have a plot or help with the construction.
A workshop will be held on the last Wednesday of each month for garden education and preparation.
The garden will be accessible by bike lanes on Seward Avenue NW and the DASH bus stop. It is free to sign up for a plot.
The garden will officially open June 1.
For more information or to sign up for a plot, click here.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.