Boonsboro Community Garden

About

A community garden brings together a group of people to garden in the same location, encourages a healthy lifestyle, and builds connections among town residents. The Boonsboro Environmental Commission (BEC) proposed to construct a garden in the Spring of 2022 and pursued grant funding for infrastructure costs after receiving approval from the Town's Mayor and Council. Construction including fencing, sheds, and gravel paths is beginning Spring 2023. The community garden will be located in a currently unused open space in the new area of Shafer Park and will complement future plans for the proposed extension of Shafer Drive. Existing sports fields will not be disrupted. Based on feedback from Town residents in summer 2022 (see right-side column), a community garden will be a valued community asset. Town residents have volunteered to form a garden management team. A priority focus of the Boonsboro Community Garden in Shafer Park is to provide accessible gardening options for all ages and abilities, so that we can truly bring our residents together as a community. (read more - link to informational handout.pdf)

Features:

Secure Fencing
Greenhouse and Toolshed
Onsite water source
4 wheelchair accessible raised beds (96”L x 48”W)
8 standard metal raised beds (50”L x 36”W x 30”H)
16 large inground beds (12x14 ft)
8 small inground beds (8x6 ft)
Pollinator Garden
Benches and Picnic Tables

Community Support

The Town of Boonsboro and the BEC would like to thank the following community members for their contributions to the Shafer Park Community Garden.

Nora Roberts Foundation - Grant Funding
William Duus, Life Scout - Greenhouse Eagle Scout Project 2023
Grant Hausler, Life Scout - 4 wheelchair accessible raised bed with irrigation and drainage system Eagle Scout Project 2023

2024 Boonsboro Community Garden Application

Community Garden Rules

Community Garden Informational Handout

Garden Layout

Town Resident Questionnaire Results

In the July 2022 BMUC bill envelope Town residents received a questionnaire for the proposed Boonsboro Community Garden.

“The Boonsboro Environmental Commission (BEC) is excited about two great opportunities to fund construction of a Community Garden in Shafer Park. The BEC proposes to construct a garden in the Fall of 2022 and have the inaugural growing season begin Spring 2023. Before final plans are decided we would like to get initial feedback from Town residents. A Community Garden brings together a group of people to garden in the same location, encourages a healthy lifestyle, and builds connections among Town residents. The Community Garden will adopt an “Individual plots” model of operation where each participant is assigned their own plot to grow and harvest for themselves. Shafer Park is the ideal location for the Community Garden because of the plethora of facilities including large shaded pavilions, restrooms, parking, ample lighting, regular Police patrols and security cameras.”

Here are the results:

1. Do you see value in having a Community Garden located in Shafer Park? 46 out of 79 responded said YES (58%)

2. If interested in having a garden plot, would you be willing to pay a small annual fee? (estimated range of fees: $10-$20) 34 out of 46 responded said YES (74%)

3. The Community Garden is looking for garden planning committee volunteers! Please indicate your interest in participating on the garden planning committee. 12 people responded that they would volunteer to be on a Garden Subcommittee.