Cultivating a community spirit
For The Oklahoman
NORMAN — Organizers of a new garden in Norman believe the project can help cultivate community interaction and nurture an appreciation for nature.
The inclusive garden also features raised garden beds and sidewalks by the boxes that offer easier access for people with physical disabilities or those with mobility challenges.
“It’s very accessible for everyone,” said Cathe Fox, who has helped coordinate the project and serves on the Cleveland County disABILITY Coalition.
The coalition is one of the sponsors of the community garden, which opens this month. The project aims to bring agencies, individuals and families together so they can “learn more about each other in a fun and productive way,” Fox said.
The community garden is at 1183 E Main St. in Norman, behind the Community Services Building Inc.
Twelve garden boxes are now available with plans to build more, Fox said.
The groups and individuals who have reserved the garden beds include students from Dimensions Academy in Norman; individuals from Bethesda, an organization that provides services for children who have experienced sexual abuse; Thunderbird Clubhouse, a nonprofit that supports adults in recovery from mental illness; and Able, an organization that supports adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants are paying a $50 fee this year to help with initial costs of the project, such as money to help with water costs, Fox said.
She said the project also has received some positive community response, including donations of seeds from Marcum’s Nursery and donated boxes for the beds from Susan Bergen, of Peach Crest Ranch. The garden location also has been provided by the Community Services Building Inc., and volunteers from Johnson Controls helped construct the beds last fall during the United Way’s “Day of Caring.”
Other sponsors for the garden include the United Way of Norman and Sooner Success.
“We’ve had really great support,” Fox said. “We’re excited to see how it will grow.”