With spring just around the corner, the Stettler Community Gardens project has grown into a second site.
At its regular meeting last week, Stettler town council confirmed the second plot at 60 Street and 41 Avenue, just behind the compost bins east of the Kinsmen Tot Lot.
The Heartland Beautification Committee recommended the new site.
“With involvement of the schools, it has created a respect for the gardens,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
“That’s an ugly area, and the garden will certainly enhance it,” said Coun. Al Campbell.
Located on 46 Avenue at 56A Street, the original 5,000- square-foot garden was planted in 2010 and expanded to 12,000 square feet last year to maximize the space.
“The new site cannot be used for anything else, because of a nearby gas line,” said Coun. Steve Wildeboer.
“It has better soil to start with.”
He noted that committee chairman Rob Spencer is applying for grant funding to develop the gardens.
Recommended by Lee Penner, director of parks and leisure services for the town, the site is considered a prime location for various reasons.
The new garden is near compost bins for gardeners to clean up their gardens, it’s located in a heavily-populated area within walking distance of many residents, and it has “good sunlight and visibility” for showcasing the gardens and preventing vandalism in the area, advocates say.