Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: JASON CHACON, DIRECTOR PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2023
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMUNITY GARDEN
ON CITY-OWNED PROPERTY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will discuss the establishment of a Community Garden and provide staff direction to further research costs, equipment, and operations associated with one of three proposed City-owned properties. Community Gardens are a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people to provide fresh produce and plants.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Discuss and provide staff direction regarding the establishment of a community garden on City-owned property.
BACKGROUND
At the March 23, 2023, City Council meeting, City staff presented an update on the establishment of a Community Garden and received direction from the Council to proceed with finding potential locations for the City Council to evaluate. Additionally, as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 Budget, the City Council appropriated $30,000 towards the development of a Community Garden.
A Community Garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people to provide fresh produce and plants. Community Gardens vary widely from areas where people grow small plots of vegetables, to large “greening” projects to preserve natural areas. Plots may be divided into individual parcels or tendered in a communal fashion, depending on the size and quality of the garden and the members involved.
It is proposed that a Downey community garden would consist of raised planter beds that would be used by individual renters, as well as communal planters that would be for public enjoyment of donations to location food kitchens and organizations. A requisite percentage of ADA-accessible planters would also be included. The overall Community Gardens operation would be managed by the Parks & Recreation Department, who would also work closely with Public Works for maintenance needs.
APPROVED BY
CITY MANAGER
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMUNITY GARDEN
ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
PAGE 2
2 ANALYSIS
Staff initially inquired about the use of various vacant properties owned by both Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Staff from Parks & Recreation and Community Development worked with the utility compa nies but ultimately the proposed use was not allowed by these agencies. City staff then toured various City properties to evaluate feasible locations for a community garden. There were several factors that were considered while looking for suitable sites that included, but were not limited to:
• existing water source;
• proximity to entry to allow easy community access;
• abundance of natural sunlight;
• available parking;
• secure area;
• isolated area ensuring peaceful and seamless gardening environment; and • ample space to allow for current development and for future expansion.
Below is a listing of three proposed areas. It is estimated that each site would have an estimated cost of $30,000 as adopted in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. After the City Council provides direction on the site selection, staff can prepare a more detailed cost analysis for the selected site.
Location 1: Rio San Gabriel Park
Rio San Gabriel Park spans across 16.6 acres and is situated on the eastern edge of the City, just north of Firestone Boulevard and adjacent to the San Gabriel River bed. The park offers natural turf athletic fields, a dog park, picnic shelters, a community room, and a playground - all for the enjoyment of its visitors. The proposed location for the Community Garden would be in the northern section of the park, behind the athletic field.
Currently, there is an open grassy area that is not programmed or extensively used. Rio San Gabriel is primarily used by one Community Sports Organization, the Downey Razorbacks, which operates from July – November in the evenings.
Pros:
• Existing water source
• Ample parking
• Easy access
• Space for current development and future expansion
Cons:
• Proximity of sports field
• Moderate natural sunlight
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMUNITY GARDEN
ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
PAGE 3
3 Location 2: Wilderness Park
Wilderness Park spans across 18.5 acres and is situated on the eastern edge of the City, just south of Florence Avenue and adjacent to the San Gabriel River bed. The park boasts a natural landscape habitat, walking trails, lakes, picnic shelters, a pla yground, and a community room. The proposed site for the Community Garden is located in the southern section of the park, which is currently an open grass area that is not utilized by the public.
Wilderness Park is divided into three sections, each owned b y a different entity including Southern California Edison, Caltrans, and the City of Downey. The proposed location for the Community Garden will be within the City-owned property.
Pros:
• Existing water source
• Easy access
Cons:
• Limited space for current development and future expansion • Limited weekend parking
• Moderate natural sunlight
Location 3: Treasure Island Park
Treasure Island Park spans over 3.7 acres and is situated on the Northwest edge of the City, specifically to the north of Suva St. This park offers a multitude of options for visitors, including walking trails, picnic shelters, and a playground. The proposed location for the Community Garden is planned to be in the middle to north end of the linear park.
Currently, there are several open grass areas that are not yet programmed and can be utilized.
Pros:
• Existing water source
• Ample parking
• Natural sunlight
Cons:
• Distance from the parking lot
• Proximity to the riverbed
It is staffs’ recommendation to establish the Community Garden at Rio San Gabriel Park, as it appears to be the most feasible location in relation to the determining factors. Rio San Gabriel is the most easily accessible location that includes parking and allows for future expansion. The garden location is visible but removed enough to not impact other areas of park usage. Staff recommends that the City Council only consider one site to allow staff to gauge success and gather experience in managing a community garden.
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMUNITY GARDEN
ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
PAGE 4
4 After providing staff direction on the establishment of the community garden, staff will return to the City Council with a report on the proposed type of community gardens, including cost details, equipment needed, estimated timeline, garden rules and guidelines, application process, and overall city management of the site.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in an expenditure of up to $30,000 from the Parks & Recreation Department Account No. 10-4-4310-0260 as previously approved in the FY 2023 – 2024 operating budget. There is sufficient fund balance for the recommended actions.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Park Maps and Site Photos
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT A:
Park Maps and Site Photographs
Rio San Gabriel Park:
ATTACHMENT A
Wilderness Park:
ATTACHMENT A
Treasure Island Park: