Keeping Gangsters Out of City Parks | Community Spirit

SALINAS, Calif.- Leadership Salinas Valley Class 30 is teaming up with the City Parks and Recreation Department and the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation to infuse new life into Central Park. A concept first proposed by Councilmember Steven McShane, garden enthusiasts will improve the quality of the park, offer a wholesome and educational activity to residents, as well as promote the agricultural roots that are so important to the Salinas Valley.

The Central Park Community Garden project will create an area where residents can participate in horticulture, plant cultivation, and small volume crop production.

"We are currently in the design and development stages", says the group in a news release sent out Thursday, "but we hope to have the garden ready for planting by June 1.

Steve McCoy, Berniz House, and Tim Lewis from Leadership Salinas Valley and community members like Ray Villanueva are busily planning the physical aspects. They are working with city managers, making arrangements to ensure the perpetuity of this project.

"We are honored by the level of commitment from several members and businesses in the community, including donation of materials, labor and fundraising items." the participants mentioned. The group already started to receive donations for their fundraiser event and will hold a silent auction on April18 during the Earth Day Mixer at McShane's Nursery to help with the cost of the project. If you would like to participate, be involved or make a donation please contact Berniz House at bernizh@yahoo.com or 831-250-6184. Your donation may be tax deductible.

Leadership Salinas Valley is a project of the Salinas Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Their goal is to add more informed and skillful leaders to the existing pool, which will in turn result in enhanced community problem solving and development.