The Village of Pinckney’s Community Garden project received a financial boost this week when it won second place — and $15,000 — in the Consumer’s Energy “Put Your Town On The Map” competition.
The village was one of 10 finalists asked to submit a short video pitching a project designed to enhance the community and promote public engagement. Videos were presented at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan’s annual Michigan Small Town and Rural Development conference on April 13, with winners announced on April 14. You can see Pinckney’s video pitch by clicking here.
Pinckney’s “pitch” included enhancements to itscurrent community garden plan being implemented this spring. The initial garden plan includes 16 raised beds and two wheelchair accessible beds on a vacant lot downtown. The Consumer’s award will add improved water access and wheelchair -friendly pathways, more raised beds and additional improvements.
The community garden will be located at 135 W .Main St. Many gardeners have expressed interest in growing produce to help supplement fresh food offerings at area food pantries, such as senior centers and the Farley Hill Food pantry. The Pinckney Garden Club plans to have a demo garden, and participants hope to exchange ideas, advice, seeds, plants and produce. Organizers will start assembling raised beds and filling with topsoil — donated by LoRea Topsoil in Howell — in late April. Applications for Pinckney community members are available on a first-come-first-served basis, with applications and more information is available at https://villageofpinckney.org/rent-a-community-garden-space/.
