The Lake Forest Garden Park is an extension and expansion of the Community Garden Concept. The idea was formed 7 or 8 years ago to develop a community garden on the Whispering Hills park site along Lake Forest Dr. I believe it was the right site, OK concept, but wrong time. Beginning in late June 2013 the Concept was resurrected and expanded into a Community Garden Park. It is a Park in the truest sense; everyone would be welcome to stroll through the gardens. The conceptual plan has three sections: An educational and demonstration gardens to learn about various types of plants, water issues, and commercial demonstration plots. The second and largest would be individual garden plots where individuals and families can grow food, flowers or herbs. It becomes a patch work of color, texture, and fragrance in an ever changing kaleidoscope of seasonal changes. The third section has been called a “Giving Garden” where volunteers donate their labor to grow fresh produce which is donated to the local food bank.
When the concept was presented to a few, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It was taken to a larger audience through a website and facebook and again the positive response was overwhelming. The conceptual plan was taken to the Lake Forest City Council meeting on July 16, 2013 for inclusion in the 5-year strategic plan. Many interested residents, along which emails to the City Council for those that could not attend, presented the concept to the City Council. The City Council had previously received a full color package with extensive background information and history of the Whispering Hills Park site, Community Garden Concept, and conceptual renderings. At the July 16, 2013 Lake Forest City Council meeting, after a discussion among the City Council members, a vote was taken and it was a unanimous, 5-0 vote to include the Community Garden Park in the 5-year strategic plan. Their vote of confidence reflects the enthusiasm which has been displayed from the residents for this much needed type of recreation and showplace venue in Lake Forest.
The foundation of the Community Garden Park concept is it is all inclusive. All age groups and economic groups, everyone can at some level participate. They can be active gardeners, or mentors sharing their experiences with others. It is a beautiful display of nature, open to everyone to enjoy.
More information can be found at http://www.lfgardenpark.com and on Facebook: Lake Forest Community Garden Park. There are news items, media articles, and conceptual plans.
The Lake Forest Community Garden Park has been passed to the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Commission. You can follow the progress here and through the website
Finally, after being graded for a Park in 1986, it was the right concept, right time, the right people stepped forward and the right time to develop the Whispering Hills Park site as a world class Community Garden Park
