Petition to Convert Davish Park into a Community Garden

To the Residents of the Village of New Miami:

We, the undersigned, are proposing a new initiative to transform the abandoned Davish Park into a community garden. This garden would offer a place for residents to grow fresh produce, come together as a community, clean and beautify our village, and support local environmental sustainability efforts. Community Gardens are also an amazing way to reduce Crime rates.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
Promote Local Food Security:
The community garden would provide space for families and individuals to grow their own fruits and vegetables. Surplus produce could be shared with local charities and the village food pantry, helping to reduce food costs and better serve families in need.

Strengthen Community Engagement:
The garden would serve as a gathering place for residents, fostering connections and collaboration. Neighbors can work side by side, sharing gardening knowledge and building a sense of ownership over this shared space.

Support Environmental Sustainability:
The garden would feature native plants such as paw paw trees, persimmons, and pollinator plants like milkweed and black-eyed Susan. These plants would not only beautify the garden but also support local wildlife and ecosystems. Additionally, the garden could become a certified Monarch Waystation, helping to protect monarch butterflies and other endangered pollinators during their migration.

Educational and Youth Opportunities:
By partnering with local schools, the garden would offer hands-on learning experiences for children and teens, teaching them about sustainability, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. This could also pave the way for future programs for our youth, including classes and/or events involving cooking, preserving, and growing food, community clean-up efforts, construction,  crafting, foraging, etc. by establishing these programs we are not only setting them up for success by providing the knowledge and experience of growing their food, but also providing a safe and productive space for youth to spend time, helping to create a sense of community and keep kids out of trouble. 

Promote Community Clean-Up:
Repurposing old materials from around the community to build garden beds and using yard waste for compost would help clean up our village while reducing waste.
How We Can Make It Happen:
We aim to apply for grants, such as the Grow Ohio Grant, and seek donations from local businesses and residents to minimize start-up costs. Volunteer efforts will be essential in building and maintaining the garden, making it a truly community-driven project.

Lower Crime Rates:

According to the NEEF in April 2024 "Community-engaged greening of vacant lots was associated with nearly a 40% reduction in assaults and total violent crime. A similar study focused on Youngstown, Ohio, was published in October 2022 that supported the earlier findings." 

Join Us in Making a Difference!

We believe that turning Davish Park into a community garden will benefit the entire Village of New Miami by providing a space for residents to connect, grow fresh food, and promote sustainability.

If you support this initiative, please add your name below to show your support. Together, we can turn this underused space into something that will benefit our community for years to come