The Allentown West Rotary in partnership with Parkland Community Library and South Whitehall Township held a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 20 to officially open the community garden behind the library.

Allentown West Rotary President Gail Micca has spearheaded the Allentown West Green Thumbs Garden Project, which started two years ago at the CedarBrook Community Garden.

Building on the philosophy of growing food for hungry community members and donating all produce to local pantries, Micca has worked with township officials during the past year to bring a learning program to life with the Parkland Community Library.

Both Debbie Jack, executive director, Parkland Community Library and Micca have similar visions in wanting to promote home gardening education and helping community members to grow some of their own food.

With the help of the South Whitehall Township team, the board of commissioners and the Green Advisory Council, the idea to build these six raised beds came to fruition.

Tori Morgan and Ben Long were instrumental in getting this project approved by the board in December 2021.

This project is in its infancy, but there are great hopes for building a community of gardeners.

With support from the Allentown West Rotary and the Parkland Garden Club and the educational resources provided by the library for patrons of all ages, this program aims to address the lack of garden knowledge for many community members who want to garden, but just don’t feel confident about how to get started.

A garden kickoff event is planned for May 12 and community members are encouraged to come, learn about the project and plant several raised beds.

To register to attend, go to https://www.parklandlibrary.org/event/community-garden-kickoff/.