At the November 24 Paxton Select Board meeting, members of the Paxton Garden Club presented their ideas and conceptual drawings for a community garden to be built behind the Paxton Center School. The club sought board permission to enter into a memorandum of understanding to build the garden on a half-acre of vacant land that is under control of Paxton Recreation. 

Garden Club President Robin Tasca walked the board through the club’s history and cited numerous projects that the club has undertaken to beautify the town including plantings on the Common, at the Town Hall, the Council on Aging building, and at Klingele Field. In addition, the club provides an educator grant available to Paxton organizations that focus on education, conservation or beautification projects and it provides 8-10 free public lectures throughout the year that are open to the public.

John Pender-Cudlip, a member of the club, presented the multi-year plans for the community garden. As a member of the Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee, Pender-Cudlip cited the survey that was sent to Paxton residents and the 400 returned surveys that ranked a community garden as one of the top three projects of interest to residents.

Dustin Hill showed the location of the community garden, which would be next to the parking lot, basketball court and a short walk across the parking lot to the school. 

Tasca explained that they have gone before numerous town committees and departments seeking their input and approval including the Assessor’s Office, interim town administrator, Department of Public Works, police and fire department chiefs, Open Space and Recreation Committee, Paxton Conservation Commission members, and the Economic Development Committee chair.  

“We will work with any and all stakeholders in town to make sure we do this correctly,” said Tasca. “We don’t want to have any missteps.”

“We are very fortunate to have Kevin Quinn of Quinn Engineering donating his services,” said Tasca, “so that if this is approved, we can have proper guidance and plans done that comply with all local and state laws and regulations.”

Tasca said they contacted the resident at 15 West Street who abuts the property and she fully endorses the project. 

“What a great way to bring people together,” said Peter Bogren, Select Board chair. His only question was about the water source for the gardens, which was answered by town resident and horticulturalist Roger McGaughey who exclusively uses rain barrels to water his extensive gardens.

Tasca said the project will not cost the town any money. To finance the project, the garden club will fundraise, apply for grants, ask for private donations, and ask for in-kind donations from licensed contractors, landscapers and other professionals. If everything in the concept plan is included, the cost could be between $125,000 to $150,000.

Bogren asked for a motion from the board, which was offered by Julia Pingitore: “I make a motion to enter into an MOU with the Paxton Garden Club to create a community garden.” The motion received unanimous board support.

“Now it’s on to raise the money,” laughed Tasca as she gathered up her laptop at the end of their presentation. Visit the community garden’s page on the Paxton Garden Club’s website at https://www.paxtongardenclub.com/about-usjoin/community-garden 

FAQs 

• Who can use this? Everyone. We are building this to be fully ADA accessible.

• Who will own it? PMAGC will be the official owners and managers of the gardens and structures with the Town/Recreation being the Landlord/Landowner

• How will running it work? PMAGC will rent beds seasonally (with written agreement) for a nominal fee that goes into a dedicated bank account to maintain and care for garden needs. We will also create a use schedule for greenhouse access.

• What are the security plans? PMAGC will install cameras, have signs posted, actively monitor site, and work with town as needed if issues arise (hopefully not).

•  What are the safety plans? Location is fully accessible to public safety. AED unit is in the area. We will install a first aid kit and work with PFD/PPD on any other suggestions.

• What will be done with what is grown? Individual rentals will own what is grown. PMAGC Beds will be split between both food pantries in town. Flowers will be used for Floral Fridays Fundraiser and programs.