With tremendous thanks, LiveWell Northwest Kansas is excited to announce that progress is being made at Colby's newest community garden at Copeland Park. The project is being spearheaded by volunteer Nolan Hull of Colby and LiveWell's very own Maureen Ostmeyer.
Horse troughs filled with Top Notch Potting Soil are being used as raised garden beds and residents have the option of renting large plots or smaller ones specially suited for childrens' gardens. Soon, the garden will also host a small greenhouse and gardeners will have the opportunity to sign up for email tips and gardening tricks.
"Residents are on board," said Hull at a Colby City Council meeting last Monday. "People are signing up left and right. We're probably not going to have enough garden beds for demand."
As of Monday, eight beds had been placed and filled with soil and progress is being made to place 30 more.
Executive Director Travis Rickford said the response has been encouraging and the possibility of establishing other gardens throughout the Colby area is promising. "This has been a really interesting partnership between a lot of entities in the area," said Rickford. "The city council, Regional Food Alliance, LiveWell, and the Thomas County Coalition have all pitched in to make the project happen."
A special thanks to Nolan Hull for his hours of service, Hinkle Termite & Pest Control, and Cole Wiese, Jessica Stephens, Pete Stephens, Paul Stephens, Alan Dible, Chase Hartwell, and Copeland area resident Ty Koon for their work setting the foundation, pouring pea gravel and setting the garden beds. Kyle Lindberg and a crew from the City of Colby put in new hydrant faucets and water lines, which are much-needed amenities for the success of the project. We'd also like to thank Jeff Horlacher for his contribution of a brochure holder.
Please contact LiveWell Garden Coordinator Maureen Ostmeyer at maureeno@nwksprevention.com to inquire about garden availability. Reduced rental rates are available for those who quality.
Visit Copeland Community Garden's official Facebook page for more information.