Navajo County Health Department Community Outreach Coordinator Allison Hephner is leading a movement in Winslow that will develop and maintain a community garden. A large group of volunteers has been meeting to identify resources and work on a strategic plan for the project.

“The community really wants this. We have had fluctuated between 20 to 30 people at each meeting; you don’t see this kind of involvement when community gardens first start, it’s really incredible,” she said.

Recently, the City of Winslow donated an acre of land on the east end of Winslow, next to the 9/11 Memorial Park, behind the Sweetland Furniture building for the garden space. It is because of its location that the committee decided on the name, Winslow Sweetland Community Garden.

Hephner said, “When you think about it, gardening makes the land and others a little sweeter. It’s a good name and the group decided to use it. I think it works well.”

The goal of this project is to involve citizens in the cultivation of various plants, and to bring people together in hopes of developing a more self-sustaining society. The completion of the garden depends heavily on volunteers, resources, funding and donations, and how quickly these things can be acquired. Hephner added, “We have already had some local businesses get involved with donations of soil, mulch and storage. It’s support like this that really pushes this project through quicker.”

The volunteers, headed by Hephner have begun a Facebook group that is open to anyone who would like to be involved to join under the name Winslow Sweetland Community Garden. It is in the group that volunteers and concerned citizens will find information regarding meetings, schedules, and information about what is needed and how they may help, as well as hold discussion and make suggestions. For now, Hephner says, “They have the land and water, thanks to the City of Winslow. Next, they are working on locating fencing for the garden, wood and materials for the garden beds and tools. I have always believed that it never hurts to ask, so if anyone can help by donating fencing, wood and materials, or tools, anything would be greatly appreciated.”

The group’s next meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 27, at the city council chambers, located at 115 E. Second St.