2011/08/31 Council Agenda Packet

8 Red Barn Community Farm Summary: The Red Barn Community Farm in Lowell has been in development since winter 2010. Dean Smith and other leaders worked with City of Everett to secure a license for a city-owned parcel of agricultural land for use as a community garden and farm. The purpose is to establish a permanent community farm to grow food for food bank as well as to offer plots for community members to use. Produce from the farm will feed recipients at the VOA-Everett Food Bank and potentially other food programs in the future. The Volunteers of America and the Lowell Civic Association are partners with Transition Port Gardner and other agencies to develop a working farm/garden and to make physical improvements to allow for productive garden and farm areas. This funding proposal will cover installation of a water meter and water lines to the site, soil improvements, a shed,tools purchases and portable toilet facility rental. Work parties will help with food growing,harvest and transport to food bank. A committee of volunteers and agency staff from VOA, United Way, and RSVP are leading the coordination effort. Funds requested: $14,993. Match pledged: $27,197. South Forest Park Community Garden Summary: Residents in South Forest Park are partnering with Zion Lutheran Church, to develop a small community garden on.church-owned land at 47th and College. The church is offering the space on a long term(permanent)basis in a shared use agreement with South Forest Park Neighborhood Association. The proposed project will fund installation of a water meter and water lines into the garden site, soil amendments and a storage shed; and equipment rental. Food grown in the garden will benefit residents and some will be donated to the food bank. A master gardener and local businesses have pledged support as well as community residents and church leaders. Funds requested: $5,210. Match pledged: $7,320. Recommended for funding later this fall Hibulb at Everett Summary: The Northwest Neighborhood proposal is to develop a design to install additional plant features and signage in the bluff area of Legion Park, to call attention to the historic importance of the bluffs site to native or first nations peoples who named it Hibulb. The design would provide for a plan to install native plants important to first nations residents and to place interpretive signs at the park. These signs would be designed by the neighborhood to celebrate the historic significance of the area and highlight Hibulb as a cultural site to boost awareness of those who visit the site for recreation. Funds requested: $10,000. Match pledged: $5,000. ** **Design grants require a 50%match. 40