Park Avenue School Transforms Grassland Into A Garden

From Park Avenue School: What once was a patch of grass behind Park Avenue School is now a veritable bounty of herbs and vegetables – it’s also an opportunity for parents to become involved in the school, while working side by side with their children.

Planted in April, the Park Avenue School Community Garden is now in full bloom. Maria Vargas, a United Way parent liaison who has helped organized the project, said that the garden was funded by United Way and the Graustein Memorial Fund with plant donations by Agway of New Milford and the Ridgefield Garden Club.

Planning for the garden began last year by a core of 10 parents who spearheaded the garden. Vargas said that all parents connected to the school have participated in some manner, whether to help construct the sidewalk, install fencing, build boxes or plant vegetables.

Vargas also said that teen volunteers from United Way will help in the coming weeks to assemble a shed to house equipment. During the weekend of May 5-7, Vargas said many school parents and their children showed up to help with the garden

“These projects engage parents in the school,” Vargas said. “Once they feel they are part of the school community, they become more involved.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned before the end of the school year.

Images Courtesy of Park Avenue School