[Community_garden] Growing Community Gardens

[jstreetmusic at comcast.net]

Hello,
   I wonder if anyone has any strong opinions or recommendations about how to structure a community gardening program. I'm sure there's no "one model fits all" solution; I am interested in what folks with experience think are important considerations, components, or idea(l)s. Short responses are fine, it's a complicated question.
   We're a town of about 70,000 and currently we have just a few sites composing a few handfuls of plots, overseen by the city Parks Dept. Now we have interest in expanding the program from the Mayor and Dept.of Neighborhoods, the state university Extension Service, as well as a group of active cititzens. So I'm sure we're fortunate whatever happens.
   No doubt I'm looking for someone to speak to my personal outlook- we have this big city nearby with a couple of wonderful grass roots non-profit organizations cooperating with the city Office of Neighborhoods and City/County Parks Departments and a host of other city and county agencies. Of course it's taken decades to develop this well-oiled machine. It seems ideal though, to have these independent entities advocating, educating and even aquiring (land and tools) for the neighborhood gardens, in addition to the City/County/State agencies' involvement.

Thank You
   
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