Title
Approval of Resolution Supporting Community Gardens in Olympia
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The General Government Committee recommends the resolution.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution supporting community gardens in Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution supporting Community Gardens.
Staff Contact:
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Background and Analysis:
At the August 22 City Council meeting, representatives from Sustainable South Sound requested that the City Council pass a resolution establishing a goal to have a community garden within a half-mile of every resident. In September, Councilmember Roe referred this to the General Government Committee.
Following that referral, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Staff met with representatives from Sustainable South Sound to discuss their proposed resolution while also sharing information about existing programs and policies that support achieving the goal of having a garden within a half-mile of every resident.
Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation currently manages two successful community gardens in parks: one at Yauger Park, and one at Sunrise Park. The Public Works Department has also developed a pilot-program that would allow Neighborhood Associations to sponsor community gardens in un-opened right-of-way properties managed by the City.
On December 4, representatives from Sustainable South Sound and City Staff met with the General Government Committee, who is recommending a slightly modified resolution for full City Council approval.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The pilot program hosted by Public Works allows Neighborhood Associations to sponsor community gardens in un-opened right-of-way properties managed by the City. This was developed in response to a resident request.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Community Garden Resolution.
2. Do not move to approve the Community Garden Resolution.
3. Recommend a modified Community Garden Resolution for approval.
Financial Impact:
This resolution does not have any financial impacts, but rather highlights existing programs and policies that provide ongoing support to community gardens in Olympia.
Attachments:
Resolution
Program Application
2018 Community Garden Application
Sustainable South Sound Request