Submitted by Jim Endicott, Kiwanis Club of Clover Park.
Did you know that Lakewood has a community garden? Way back in 2013 former Lakewood mayor and current Pierce County Council member Doug Richardson and many of the members of the city council and a few other community leaders attended a ribbon cutting at the opening of the Lakewood Community Garden.
Under the auspices of the Parks Department, the garden has 5 large raised beds that are cared for by Kiwanis Club of Clover Park members. One hundred percent of the produce goes to a food bank. Over the last 9 years, well over 3 tons of fresh produce has been delivered to Nourish Food Bank on Steilacoom Blvd.
Additionally, there are 37 individual beds, 33 of which are 8’x4′, for gardeners use. The other 4 beds, narrower and taller, were designed with handicap individuals in mind. The raised beds are reserved through the Parks Department. A number of these beds are currently available on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to grow some of your own food, check at desk in city hall in Lakewood or call Nikki York (2539837835) Parks, Recreation and Community Services assistant.
The plots are $20 for the year (water and compost are available free), and you need to sign a gardener agreement. The remaining plots are available until March 15. After that date current registered gardeners have access to a second bed if available. Happy Gardening!
Just a minor edit, Doug Richardson retired in January 2021. Jani Hitchen took his spot on the now Democrat party controlled Council.
Other than that, fantastic article. Very informative.
Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Endicott and the garden he stewards. I shot a video about it.
https://youtu.be/RIutgzFeAWs
During 2020, Jim and a small band of volunteers grew and delivered nearly 900 pounds of produce to local food banks.
In the middle of a pandemic, with folks out of work and families in need, Jim dug deep for his community. He was recognized as the 2020 Community Food Project of the Year by the Pierce Conservation District. Well deserved.
Thanks for the work you and your team put in to make this all possible, I have personally witnessed the amount of time and effort that you spend to keep this wonderful project on track, keep it up please 🙏
As a Community Garden, you are eligible to apply for a Small Grant (up to $500) from the Tacoma Garden Club for materials, plants or tools, should the need arise. Please access the Tacoma Garden Club website for further information on our Community Projects/ Small Grants program.