THURSTON — Springfield-area residents with a green thumb who want to honor Parks and Recreation Month this July can look no further than the Thurston community garden. With its bountiful produce of radiant squash, tricolor tomatoes, lush greens, and vibrant strawberries, the garden provides an abundance of food resources. It offers a picturesque way to connect with the community.
“It’s a great example of what parks and recreation is all about,” said Tracy Kribs, Willamalane’s special events and operations program manager. “This is a shared space where people come together, grow food, share knowledge, give back, and build connections.”
The Thurston Community Garden, in its third year, has already produced 2,519 pounds of fresh food for the Springfield community. Through a “collaborative team structure,” the garden is led by Willamalane staff, volunteers, youth, and community members. Designated Willamalane staff members plan tasks and “adapt to the weekly and seasonal needs” of the garden. The remaining focus is on the weeding, harvesting, and special projects.
PROVIDED BY WILLAMALANE
“Another thing that makes this garden special is just how many people contribute,” Kribs said. “It ranges from kids in summer camps to dedicated volunteers and staff from all across Willamalane. The garden has become a true celebration of teamwork. But most of all, getting out in this garden is a chance to feel connected to your community.”
A community conversation followed the garden’s inception in 2017. The community agreed that there was a need for additional resources for low-income residents and a community garden in the Thurston Community. Following, Catholic Community Services, Food For Lane County, Waypoint Church, The Oregon Food Bank, and Thurston High School collaborated to create the Thurston Community Pantry that same year. Then, in 2020, the pantry received a $30,000 grant from Weyerhaeuser to develop a community garden.
PROVIDED BY WILLAMALANE
From there, Willamalane created the land at Lively Park, north of the dog park area. In 2023, Willamalane began maintaining it mainly on “the same mission of providing more food resources for our community.”
Thus, the largest plot in the garden is reserved for the Willamalane food pantry, which helps provide fresh produce to those in need.
However, residents of all ages and abilities can reserve a space to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
“Willamalane is always looking at ways to preserve resources, provide equitable access to recreation, and continuously improve our offerings to the community,” Kribs said about the inspiration to open the garden. “It really aligns with our goals to provide essential services that support underserved populations while also creating meaningful volunteer opportunities. The garden’s goals have been to build community, support neighbors in need, and provide meaningful experiences through volunteerism.”
Kribs said one of the most rewarding aspects of opening up this resource has been witnessing the engaged and connected community.
“It’s been seeing the community come together. From kids harvesting produce during field trips, to staff and volunteers working every week to maintain the garden. It’s incredibly gratifying to see so many community members taking pride in this shared space,” She said.
Kribs said what she wishes people knew and understood about this resource is just how easy it is to get started.
“There are so many ways to get involved in the community garden, including renting a garden space or volunteering to grow food for the community pantry at Willamalane Adult Activity Center,” She said.
Residents who are already eager to grab the shears, shovel, watering can, and pruners can get started at Willamalane.org/gardens.
Pricing varies: a 2×20 space is $40, a 20×10 space is $20, a 5×40 space is $20, and accessible raised beds are $20. The garden opens to new renters on April 20 each year.
