Community development, by definition, is a broad concept that most generically describes projects that are intended to enhance a community’s quality of life. This section of the Comprehensive Plan recommends several opportunities, including: • Increasing river accessibility, • Increasing pedestrian safety and amenities, • Establishing additional recreational amenities, and • Protecting and enhancing community appearance. Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 - Community Development
On November 17, 2009, eight people from Smithville and Bastrop attended the first cooking class offered through the Smithville Health Initiative and Smithville Community Garden projects, including two teenaged girls from Smithville who are interested in food preparation. MaryAnn Walborg prepared a healthy version of traditional greens (without the salt pork or salt) from kale, mustard greens, collards, and turnip greens with olive oil and roasted garlic. She also demonstrated how to roast garlic and served it mashed on french bread and mixed with cream cheese served on crackers. The kale and some of the collards were from the gardens; Diamond Y Farm donated the rest of the collards, mustard greens, and turnip greens. Everyone had a great time. (Here is the article in the Smithville Times.) Look for more classes to start in the spring as the gardens start to produce more vegetables!
On September 12, 2009, we held our first annual Smithville Community Garden Fundraiser. We raised nearly $5,000 between sponsorships, ticket sales, raffle items, and outright donations. Thanks to everyone who helped make this such a success and to everyone who supported this fine effort.
In March 2009, Judge Clarence E. Culberson, Annette Anderson, and Judge Ronald Jones broke ground on the first community garden on the property owned by Mrs. Inez Green behind the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church at 406 and 408 Lee Street in Smithville, Texas. A few months later, another garden was planted across from Brown Primary School on vacant property owned by Mr. Lee A. Fortis. In August, Mrs. Green donated another three lots near the Food Pantry and the Methodist Church donated part of their vacant land to the project.
Volunteers—including large groups from various businesses and nonprofits, individual community members, and city employees, as well as many youth required to fulfill community service hours—till, plant, tend, and help to harvest the garden. All community members are welcome to take the fruits and vegetables regardless of the work they may have put into farming the land. The gardens are organically and sustainably grown with water donated by the city and generous donations from area merchants and community members. So far, the community has enjoyed the spring harvest including okra, black eyed peas, cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes, watermelon, pattypan squashes, zucchini, and many other delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables. As we acquire additional land, we will be able to grow the gardens year round.
The seeds of these gardens are meant to yield more than food. The simple act of communal gardening is bringing many people together from all parts of town. It has also become the center of a neighborhood health initiative. These Community Gardens have ignited the imaginations of many citizens; they are the starting point of a broader initiative linking a health clinic, the local Food Pantry, Farmer’s Market, the Lost Pines Artisan's Alliance, the Chamber of Commerce, several local businesses including a nearby privately owned nursery, and many individuals who want to grow food, teach and learn, and get healthy. The Gardens and larger project focus on good nutrition, organic produce, good health, knowledgeable citizens, engaged youth, and an improved economy.
For more information or to Adopt a Garden, please contact Jill Strube.
Community Garden Locations:
1. 406 and 408 Lee Street, behind Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church
2. 306 and 308 Walker Street across from Brown Primary School
3. 200, 202, and 204 Washington Street next to the Food Pantry
4. 400 Olive next to First United Methodist Church
Please take our survey! Results will be posted periodically. Thank you for your interest!