Community garden in Xenia to take root this weekend

The first seeds for a community garden will be planted this weekend at Lexington Park in Xenia.

The effort by a new coalition of entities called Community Roots is aimed at increasing access to fresh food for Xenia residents.

“Access to fresh produce is basically non-existent downtown and on the east end,” said Jillian Drew, health educator with Greene County Public Health.

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The garden is being funded through a grant provided by the Ohio Department of Health and the county public health department.

“This is really about bringing community together, learning how to garden and do all these things as a unit,” Drew said.

Steve Short, a resident of the neighborhood for more than a decade, said the park is a perfect setting for the garden.

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“The soil is really good. Perfect place to grow things,” Short said of the field where plants will be installed.

Short said the garden will bring people in the neighborhood together.

“There's a lot of older people in this neighborhood and younger people and that's a good mix ... they'll build relationships and friendships,” he said.

Community Roots comprises Greene County Public Health, the city of Xenia, and the extension offices for Central State University and the Ohio State University. All will be represented for the garden planting and unveiling Saturday.

The event is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. at Lexington Park, 1067 Lexington Ave., Xenia.

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