HATFIELD — In some cities and towns, including Northampton, community gardens have proven so popular that there is a waiting list for people interested in using them to grow food.
Beginning in May, a portion of a 4-acre site on Billings Way, near the Hatfield Elementary School, will become the Hatfield Community Garden, where both residents and parents with children in Hatfield’s public schools will be able to rent space to begin tending their own gardens.
A kickoff meeting to provide more information about this effort, and at which people can begin renting plots in the garden, will be held at the elementary school beginning at 6 p.m. Monday.
Stephanie Slysz, a member of the community garden steering committee, said Thursday that there is excitement about this new opportunity.
“You’re creating a community where inexperienced gardeners are learning from experienced gardeners,” Slysz said. “It’s really building community as well as growing things.”
Between 20 and 30 plots should be available, she said. These include the larger 400-square-foot plots, rented for $20 a year, and the smaller 200-square-foot plots, rented for $15 a year. These prices are reduced by $5 for senior citizens and those eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits. All gardeners will be asked to follow organic methods of raising crops.
As part of the planning, the Department of Public Works is installing a water spigot nearby and there will be a shed to store shared tools, including a wagon on which people can transport water. Slysz said the intent is to seek Community Preservation Act money from the town to cover some of these purchases.
The concept for the Hatfield Community Garden began when the Agricultural Commission included a survey in the the 2017 town census to determine if there was interest. About 50 residents confirmed they might sign up, and the steering committee formed, with the Select Board endorsing the project in September.
The process has also included getting the OK from the Cemetery Commission because the land borders the cemetery behind the First Congregational Church.
Slysz the steering committee has met with Pat James, the community garden and food access manager for Grow Food Northampton, to learn more about establishing the site. And Smith Academy students are creating a logo.
Because the Hatfield Community Garden won’t need the entire site, the Select Board has issued a request for proposal to lease the remaining 2 acres to an organic farmer.
For more information about the project, send email to hatfieldcommunitygarden@gmail.com
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
