ESC partners with First Wesleyan to build a community gardenMonday, March 08, 2010

Kannapolis-The Kannapolis Environmental Stewardship Commission and the congregation of First Wesleyan Church have partnered to establish the city's first community garden.

Groundbreaking for the garden will officially occur on April 24 as a part of Earth Day festivities. Located on a parcel of church property that adjoins the Cabarrus Arms neighborhood, the garden will be divided into 50 plots. Those interested could have plots sized 10x10, 10x15 and 10x30 depending on family size and need.

"This partnership comes at a very exciting time for us as a congregation as we celebrate our Centennial," said James Matchette, pastor, First Wesleyan Church. "The garden is important on many levels. Studies have shown that gardens like the one we are creating teach our youth valuable skills, encourage relationship building with our neighbors, and help improve the environment. Additionally, it is so exciting to partner with the city to help the greater community."

According to Renee Goodnight, community outreach coordinator, City of Kannapolis, community gardens offer a way to beautify neighborhoods, reduce family food costs and help create healthier meals.

"This is a very exciting partnership and a great project for our commission," she said. "Community gardens have been very successful in many places across the U.S. and I hope that we can implement them in various parts of the city."

First Wesleyan and the Kannapolis Environmental Stewardship Commission are in the process of finding those interested in participating in the garden project. Those interested in the community garden can contact the First Wesleyan Church office at (704) 932-8308 or at kfwcoffice@gmail.com or attend the community informational meeting at First Wesleyan Church on March 25th at 7:00 pm.

First Wesleyan Church is located at 301 Bethpage Road in Kannapolis.