On Saturday, April 30th, the Township of Middletown officially opened its first community garden at Stevenson Park, located on West Front Street near Shadow Lake. Mayor Tony Perry and Recycling & Clean Communities Coordinator Jessi Ticino cut the ribbon and opened the garden to the 50 Middletown residents who signed up for a plot. The gardeners wasted no time in getting started on that beautiful spring day by building support for their future produce and getting plants in the ground!
The purpose of the Middletown Township Community Garden is to provide an opportunity for residents to grow organic produce, educate the public on planting food that respects the environment, improve our health and ecosystems, and provide a space where the community can grow and learn from each other. Some of the gardeners include local nonprofits such as No Limits Cafe and Nut Swamp Junior Girl Scout Troop 61124, as well as a demonstration plot tended to by Rutgers Master Gardener Penney Riegelman, who will be holding informational sessions throughout the season to help residents of all skill levels make the most out of their crops. There are also several plots whose produce will go directly to local food banks.
Although all plots are currently reserved, keep an eye out for upcoming seasons!
To see more pictures from the event, click HERE.