Help Raise $3,000 in 30 Days for Garden Project

Metaphorically speaking, Paul Shea already has the dirt of the city's future community garden plot under his fingernails. Even before a location has been settled on, Shea's rolled up his sleeves and is digging in with both hands.

He's not alone. Along with a newly formed board, the Gate City Community Garden movement is officially launched and on a mission of making garden space available in an area short on green space.

"It's a great opportunity to create a positive visual impact in the downtown area, an opportunity for people to come out and enjoy an activity where they get to meet with neighbors and, even more of a challenge in an urban setting,  to find their connection with nature," Shea said.

Shea credits his fellow board members and a great initial response from a core group of community supporters for helping get the idea off the ground. But Shea is known for his patent do-good emersion techniques.

He's all in, having just about finished a Master Gardner program in conjunction with UNH Cooperative Extension so he can be a resource for participants. Shea has also established the Gate City Community Gardens on Facebook and on paper, recruited a board of directors, formulated a newsletter distribution list and begun the arduous task of filling out paperwork to finalize their official non-profit standing, as well as to seek grant money.

Of course, what would any big idea be without a standing to-do list:

• Goal is to break ground in the spring for about 15-20 4x8-foot garden plots in the area of the Tree Streets
• Objective is to rally support in general from the community at large
• And in the short term, to raise $3,000 in seed money over the next 30 days via a crowd-funding site, YouCaring.com, to get things growing.

Seed money will go a long way for things like lumber for raised beds, soil for planting, mulch for around beds, a tool shed, water access, ornamental plants, soil testing and – hey – maybe even some actual seeds.

Shea stresses that, like all organisms in the earliest stages of development, things are still fragile, and there are plenty of unknowns.

Location, for one, is a huge unknown, Shea said, but he's got some targets and is working with city planners on that, and once that's set in stone, he will be better able to estimate the costs involved in creating the space. Security is one of those considerations in a place where vandalism and mischief are a reality.

"There will be attractive and simple fencing around any site we establish. Not  a locked location, but gated with signage," said Shea.

"It's kind of an act of faith, to go ahead and plant a community garden in a high traffic area, although that's not necessarily a bad thing. To be going out and taking that risk is making a statement about having a commitment of faith in the community; that it's wanted and welcome," Shea said.

Although the city already has some community garden plots at Greeley Park, there is always a waiting list, said Shea. Plus, it's a good two-mile hike on foot to get there from the heart of the city.

Even more, growing and eating locally, and subbing out ornamental gardens for edible ones, in the spirit of Victory Gardens, is one that's gained traction from the smallest inner city container gardens across America, all the way to the White House.

"It seems like the trend is only going to become more popular, and I know the city is working on ways to try and expand the space they already have at Greeley," Shea said. "Plus, we're interested in adding access for those who may not have the ability to drive all the way to Greeley."

The newly formed board includes local businessman Richard Maynard as president; Shea as vice president and treasurer; Holly Klump as vice president and secretary; and community activists James Vayo and Tom Lopez rounding things out.

Garden rules and regulations are still in the works, but Shea expects there to be a small fee for those who buy into the project, which will help to contribute to the overhead of keeping a garden growing. 

"When you make an investment, even if it's just $20 or $30, it's more of a personal commitment to keep up with it," said Shea.

Shea has also designated the Community Garden project as beneficiary for the April 12 Fancy Friday fundraiser, which is a formal-wear bar hop that happens  four times a year with proceeds going to a worthy cause.

Since Shea is also the ring leader and instigator of Fancy Fridays, it's a great way to raise awareness and financial support for the garden project.

There are incentives.

Online donations made to the garden project of $10 or more will get donors a prepaid Fancy Friday wrist band, Shea said, which entitles them to food and drink specials throughout the night.

"And any organization or families or individuals interested in sponsoring Fancy Friday in April with a donation of $50 will get an inclusion on our program for the night, and for our mobile website," Shea said.

To donate to the Gate City Community Garden Seed Fund, click here.

For information on how to receive a Gate City Community Garden

For details on Spring Fancy Friday click here.