Title
To Recognize and Celebrate the Highland Youth Garden on their Tenth Anniversary
Body
WHEREAS, The Highland Youth Garden is a community garden spanning nearly half an acre in the Hilltop area; and
WHEREAS, The Highland Youth Garden was founded in 2009 after two recreation centers closed in the Hilltop community and caring individuals began working with local schools and youth centers to plan positive, garden-based activities for children and youth with the mission of enhancing the Hilltop community through growing food and educating neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, with the commitment of many volunteers of all ages and a valuable partnership with the Franklin County Master Gardeners Volunteers, the Highland Youth Garden grew to become the thriving organization it is today, hosting interdisciplinary, hands-on garden classes and programming; and
WHEREAS, Since 2009, the garden has served approximately 500 students from Highland Elementary and the Columbus Bi-Lingual Academy during the school year, and 200 people every week during the summer months, providing food, as well as opportunities for young people to participate in the Westgate Farmer’s Market; and
WHEREAS, in addition to their educational programming, they also host monthly celebrations to provide healthy, garden-inspired meals for children and neighbors to gather as a community; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and celebrate the Highland Youth Garden on their tenth anniversary and thank them for their contributions to the Hilltop community and to the City of Columbus.