I am wanting to approach our very large parks department, with as many as 600 useable parks and small open areas that could support community gardens. The demand for such is increasing here, although heretofore the parks dept. has been willing to support this only in a very limited way, with their blessing and with very little involvement on their part. Other unused, City-owned properties could be used, too. The parks dept. director has informally agreed to fund a staff position to organize the program. I am not that person, but I am interested in seeing the program get established. So they are open to the idea. Being that I've never done this before, does anyone have any suggestions on the best course of action I could take to get the program established?

This organization might be helpful to you. There is a fea to join, but they have free info. on their website.

There is another organization based in Philadelphia that helps secure land for the use of community gardens. If I can find thier name I will post it here ... they may have some good info. for you too.

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: American Community Gardening Association

If the Parks Dept. is willing to get involved, you've just cleared the biggest hurtle- I work for a Parks and Rec. Dept. as a planner so I am familiar with how difficult it can be to get this type of commitment. The next step is a ton of community outreach on your part. You will want to post information in nurseries and provide an e-mail or phone number people can call if they are interested. Once you have a space set aside, get some publicity from the newspaper about a "new community garden". Give short talks or information packets to Senior Citizen Organizations, food pantries, garden clubs, anything you can think of. That is how we have generated support for our community garden. Good luck.