From a Neighborhood Park, A Garden Grows

Over the past year, residents of the Homeview Neighborhood Association, led by its president, Gina Latimerlo, have been working with Belmont Parks and Recreation Department staff and commission to create a community garden in O’Donnell Park. And just in time for Father’s Day, that community garden blossomed.

Using straw waddles to outline the vegetable garden and future fruit tree plantings, the neighborhood association designed the garden in the shape of an “H” for Homeview, and to allow for easy access around the planting area.

A planting day was held earlier this month, and according to Gina Latimerlo, it was a huge success.

“This was, by all accounts, a ‘grassroots’ effort.  The idea sprung from our neighbors at one of our regular neighborhood meetings, and we had a number of community members step up and follow through with all of the tasks required.  The Parks and Recreation team and commission partnered with us to find a garden that would fit both our needs and their requirements, and I am very happy with the result,” Latimerlo said.

Belmont Parks and Recreation Director Jonathan Gervais was equally impressed with the community effort to develop the garden in the park, which is located along Ralston Avenue near Hiller Street. He explained that the garden did not require any new fences be built and the project cost the city a minimal amount (about $1,000) for the waddles and the soil.

Gervais said the community will manage the garden, including planting, watering and weeding. The city and the neighborhood association will monitor the success of the garden over the next year before deciding to make it a permanent fixture in O’Donnell Park.

“The process to develop this solution was cooperative and fun and perhaps presents a new model for community gardens in Belmont parks,” said Gervais.

On planting day earlier this month, neighbors donated both plant materials and labor. Just in time for summer, the garden is bountiful with tomatoes, corn, eggplant, herbs, pumpkins, cucumbers and watermelon.

“This garden and grove will be a great place to teach kids about the earth, growing food, and taking care of each other in the community.  I'm looking forward to seeing munchkins leave the chips alone and reach up to grab an apple as a snack while playing at the park!” Latimerlo said. 

For more information, go to  www.facebook.com/homeviewneighborhood