Reasons to keep all the community garden plots on West Street
No wasteful park district expenditures are required to remove current supporting infrastructure (roads and plumbing for water) Estimated $250,000
No wasteful park district expenditures are required to create new infrastructure for gardens in a new location. Estimated $250,000 - $500,000
Community gardening activity is suited to current location, taking advantage of fertile topsoil that is 3-4 feet deep, which has been improved by years of gardening.This type of land is not needed for athletic fields or parking.
Community gardening activity is compatible with other West Street green space users, Von Oven Scout Reservation and SportsmanPark. The activity does not require lights and extensive parking near two residential areas.
Community gardening program decreases water runoff which benefits adjacent homeowners by reducing flooding, and it does not add to the traffic congestion on West Street since gardeners are on independent schedules.
A central location is preferred by most of current gardeners despite the fact that many live in the southern section of town. Gardeners have stated they combine trips to the gardens with other centrally located facilities, such as church, hospital, fitness center, or downtown businesses.
Extracurricular sports programs are conducted at off school sites in many communities, such as St. Charles. Since the school district has bus service already and could use other existing fields, this is a practical solution to the need for additional Dist. 203 athletic fields.
Dist. 204 park district taxpayers are being asked to subsidize Dist. 203’s sports program expenses.
The community of multi-generational and multi-ethnic gardeners would be diminished by splitting up the location of gardens in various smaller locations. Examples: current seasoned gardeners mentor new gardeners, gardeners meet gardeners of different ethnic heritages and excess produce is collected in one onsite donation station for assistance to the needy.
The community gardens are a program that adds to the uniqueness of Naperville and is a living museum reflecting our historical heritage. People who are considering moving to Naperville are impressed with the garden plots in this location as an asset of the city.
The community gardens program is likely to increase in popularity since the current trend, Going Green, includes buying or producing locally grown produce. In addition, current economics and loss of jobs may add additional reasons to participate in the community gardens program. Keeping all of the current garden plots is the most economical way to provide gardens for the future need.
Many gardeners are Senior citizens who may be living on a fixed income. It is not fair to ask gardeners to drive through Naperville traffic to an outlying location near Bolingbrook or Joliet because students cannot spend time on a bus to go to a similar or closer location.
Gardeners recommend Option 2 or Option 3. Locate existing parks in Naperville and do a comprehensive study to provide athletic fields for Central High School and youth sports without destroying the Community Garden Plots.
