Map of Bridger Park and the community garden's approximate location, Logan, UT

In early 2016, Logan City announced plans for establishing a new community garden. The garden is a joint effort with USU Extension to make agriculture more accessible to Logan families. The city has set aside about eight-tenths of an acre at Bridger Park for the garden, and work on the land is slated to begin in May 2016 [1]. Following the garden’s announcement in early 2016, Current Mayor Craig Petersen and Council Chairman Herm Olsen discussed the garden in a brief interview.

While in graduate school, Mayor Petersen and his family participated in a community garden, and he recalls it as a very positive experience [2]. Olsen has yet had the opportunity to engage in a community garden, but firmly believes that urban green space is vital to maintaining a good quality of life for citizens [3]. Olsen is also enthusiastic about other opportunities the garden will open up. He is excited about fostering community and productivity among people. “It teaches a solid work ethic for young and old alike, and allows people to reconnect with Mother Earth,” Olsen says. “It [reestablishes] the link of life between the land and us, as stewards of the land. Skills are taught and respect fostered for the process of land and life.”

Because the garden is still in its infancy, the city is open to suggestions from the community on things that members would like to see implemented, such as incorporating any permaculture practices and compost bins. Mayor Petersen says that the city plans on issuing a nominal fee, no more than $15, for garden plots. Olsen elaborated on the fee, explaining that it is designed to cover the cost of irrigation. The city hopes that people will benefit economically by growing their own food, which will easily offset the cost of the City bringing in water.

Logan City residents can be proud of the efforts the city is making to become a more earth-friendly place. City planners have carefully woven together social, economic, and environmental sustainability in the hope that this garden will reap long-term benefits for citizens.

Special thanks to Mayor Craig Petersen and Council Chairman Herm Olsen. 

[1] Peikes, K. (2016, February 10). Logan to launch a city-sponsored community garden. The Herald Journal. Retrieved from http://news.hjnews.com/allaccess/logan-to-launch-a-city-sponsored-community-garden/article_cb56ef09-fbe4-5ad3-8c66-d9c57108527b.html

[2] C. Petersen, personal communication, 15 February 2016.

[3] H. Olsen, personal communication, 15 February 2016.