Community Garden Program Expands to Five New Chula Vista Locations

CHULA VISTA, CA — The City of Chula Vista announced Tuesday that its popular community garden program will expand to five additional locations throughout the city, bringing fresh produce and educational opportunities directly to neighborhoods that have long requested access to urban farming spaces.

The new gardens will be established at Greg Rogers Park on Fourth Avenue, Memorial Park near Broadway, Rolling Hills Ranch Community Center, the Otay Ranch Town Center area on Birch Road, and a previously unused lot adjacent to the Chula Vista Marina on Marina Parkway. Construction is expected to begin in March 2024, with the first gardens opening to residents by late spring.

"We've had an overwhelming response from residents who want to grow their own food and connect with their neighbors through gardening," said Maria Rodriguez, Chula Vista's Parks and Recreation Director. "These five new locations will serve areas that have been underserved and will help us reach our goal of having a community garden within two miles of every Chula Vista household."

The expansion comes after the success of existing community gardens at Rohr Park, Hilltop Park, and the original location at Eucalyptus Park, which collectively serve more than 200 families. The program, launched in 2019, has maintained a waiting list of over 150 prospective gardeners.

Each new location will feature 20-30 individual garden plots, ranging from 4x8 feet for beginners to 8x12 feet for experienced gardeners. The sites will include composting areas, tool storage sheds, and educational demonstration plots showcasing drought-resistant crops suitable for San Diego County's Mediterranean climate.

The $340,000 expansion project is funded through a combination of city budget allocations, state environmental grants, and donations from local businesses. Home Depot and Lowe's have committed to providing discounted materials, while the Chula Vista Rotary Club pledged $15,000 for educational programming.

"This investment in our community goes beyond just growing vegetables," said longtime gardener and program volunteer Carlos Mendoza, who has maintained a plot at Eucalyptus Park for three years. "We're growing relationships, teaching kids where food comes from, and creating spaces where neighbors become friends. My family has saved hundreds of dollars on groceries while eating the freshest produce possible."

The program requires participants to pay an annual fee of $50 for small plots or $75 for large plots, which covers water, basic tools, and access to monthly educational workshops on topics like organic pest control, seed saving, and seasonal planting guides.

Registration for the new garden locations will open January 15, 2024, through the city's website and at the Chula Vista Community Center on F Street. Priority will be given to residents living within one mile of each garden site.

The city plans to host information sessions at each proposed location throughout December, allowing residents to ask questions and provide input on garden layouts and programming preferences.