Community Garden Sprouting Near You

 Are you ready for the warm sun and green foliage of spring? Why not start early by helping the Platte County Community Center South with its newest project.

The YMCA, Platte County and the city of Parkville are in the early stages of planning a community garden. Kathy Armitage, active older adult director for the YMCA, is heading up the project and could use your help now.

The garden is solely volunteer-based, and will be designed to give back to the members and the community.

“I would like to have it set up to have plots, 10 by 20 feet or 10 by 10 feet, of land you rent to families or people who will grow vegetables allotting one row for Harvesters,” Armitage said.

Harvesters is Kansas City’s only food bank and has fed people in need since 1979. By donating a portion of the garden’s produce, the Platte County Community Center South and its volunteers will be aiding the hungry and the environment.

Armitage is trying to procure a piece of land that will fit the qualifications for a community garden. The area needs to be parking accessible, provide some shade, have a water source and get at least six hours of sun daily.

The garden will be more than just a volunteer opportunity. Armitage hopes to create a learning environment for special needs children within the first few years of the project.

“Within my five-year plan, I would like to have a portion for the Challenger program, and not just within the YMCA, for any kid in the Northland who wants to participate,” Armitage said.

Right now the garden is still a plan, but with the help of several people and organizations it will soon be a reality.

“I’m working with Platte County Parks and Recreation, Brian Nowotny and the city of Parkville. A lot of people have a hand in this project,” Armitage said.

Other community members involved include: Shannon Thompson, city of Parkville, Dan Koch, public works director, Kathy Dusenbery, commissioner and Marlin Bates, University of Missouri extension.

GET INVOLVED

If you would like to help make this garden real there are more than enough positions available. Countless committee will be in charge of maintaining certain parts of the garden throughout the year. Click here to view potential community garden committees.

All time, talents and donations are welcomed. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one to two years of service to maintain the integrity of the garden. Armitage is looking to gain plenty of volunteers before the land is procured, so the garden can get started immediately.

You can contact her by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at the Platte County Community Center South in Parkville at 816.505.2622.