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The KC Community Garden, to be located at the Community Center just east of the building, will be a 6,300 square foot all-organic vegetable and herb garden containing 37 plots varying in size from approximately 40-60 square feet. Thirteen plots will be raised beds (for ADA accessibility and ease of gardening for youth and seniors) and 24 will be at-grade beds connected by three-foot wide paths. An aesthetically pleasing eight-foot high wildlife-resistant fence with a complementary two-foot high rodent-resistant fence will surround the garden to protect growing bounties and discourage human-wildlife conflicts. Visitors entering the garden will be greeted by a community gathering space defined by engraved donor brick pavers and an L-shaped wooden shade arbor, benches for seating and trash receptacles. A wooden storage shed, nestled under existing pine trees, will be available for gardeners to house supplies and tools.
The self-funded garden is estimated to serve more than 620 gardeners per year and will be managed by a committee of community volunteers. Plots will be available for lease to residents of Ken-Caryl Ranch and Jefferson County, but logistics such as sign-up and plot fees have yet to be determined. Four of the garden’s 37 plots will be permanently dedicated to the KCRMD Youth Services Program and Environmental Education Programs exposing hundreds of children yearly to the joy of planting, maintaining, harvesting and enjoying the fruits of their labor. These plots will also be used for service-learning by the Middle School Leadership Corps. The PTA Go-Green Committee of Bradford Primary has also expressed interest in leasing a plot to teach hundreds of students the principles of organic gardening, then incorporate the products of their hard work into nutritious meals and apply this knowledge to a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Plots will also be available to local Scout Troops, church groups, etc.
Per the Use Agreement between the Foundation and KCRMD, the Foundation must raise the full construction budget — estimated at approximately $65,000, including $2,600 in reserve funds — before construction can begin. To date, the Foundation has raised a total of $48,500; no tax dollars or HOA dues will be used to fund construction or long-term maintenance of this project. Amongst the ideas to raise the remaining estimated $16,500, the Foundation plans to launch a donor brick fundraising campaign where supporters can purchase a brick paver with a personalized engraved message to honor or recognize family members and/or friends. These bricks will be placed in the garden’s community gathering space serving as a lasting legacy for generations to come. Look for opportunities to purchase your personalized brick paver in upcoming issues of the Life at Ken-Caryl newspaper, and at future KCR events.
The Foundation is also actively seeking cash donations as well as in-kind services and supplies to offset construction costs. If you have a business or contact that could assist in these efforts, we would love to hear from you. Additionally, if you have other fundraising ideas or time to help us cross the fundraising finish line, join us for our next meeting July 23 at 7 p.m. at the Ranch House. For more information regarding the community garden, please contact Rachael Stickland at kcgarden@ hotmail.com or 303-204-1272.
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