LIMA, Ohio — Activate Allen County used its annual Fall Community Block Party to highlight the South Jackson Community Garden, a green space that supporters say has moved well beyond its original role of producing food.
According to WLIO, the garden has expanded across seven years from a handful of beds into something closer to a park, with restrooms, a pavilion, sidewalks and an urban orchard added. The event gave residents a chance to talk with local agencies, join activities and eat free food while marking what the site has become.
Cenovus Energy and the city of Lima worked with Activate Allen County to invest in the property so residents could use it throughout the year. Cenovus also helped install a play area, which the report said was expected to be finished the following week.
Heather Rutz, a team lead for U.S. communication at Cenovus Energy, said resilient communities are one of the company's focus areas and called the site a tangible example, pointing to the gardens, orchard, restrooms and pavilion built with city and neighborhood involvement. Ric Stolly, deputy public works director, linked the space to quality-of-life efforts by Lima City Parks and noted the vendors on hand.
Chad Welker, associate director of Activate Allen County, said people tend to care for a place when they have invested in it, and that the orchard, play area and pavilion give residents room to learn, build connections and live active lives.