Lake Elsinore's First Community Garden Moving Forward

The following article was written by regular Patch contributor Kristina Houck:

Lake Elsinore’s first community garden is one step closer to taking root in Rosetta Canyon Park.  Garden advocates have developed a preliminary site plan for a 3/4-acre community garden, which the Lake Elsinore City Council unanimously agreed in March to allow volunteers to create.

The plan features garden areas and pathways in concentric circles, a seating area and a compost area. A water fountain or other landscape architectural feature would be the focal point of the fruit and vegetable garden, said Rick Morsch, the owner of Morsch Engineering Company, who developed the plan.

“I like it. I think we’ve got some pretty good feedback,” said Morsch, a Lake Elsinore resident for 10 years and chairman of the city’s planning commission. “It’s still in the process of fine-tuning some of the elements, but I think we’ve got everything in it.”

Lake Elsinore resident Sylvia Monaco, who is spearheading the garden project, said she has already shared the preliminary site plan with other community members, including the city’s Director of Parks and Recreation Pat Kilroy.

“[Morsch] did a really nice job on the designs,” Monaco said. “Everybody really, really likes it.”

After the plan is approved and finalized, garden volunteers hope to begin construction by the end of the year or at the start of next year, Morsch said. In addition to finalizing the plan, the group is currently organizing fundraisers to raise money for the installation of a fence and irrigation system.

Once constructed, volunteers will maintain the garden to donate produce to local churches and food banks for needy families in the community, Monaco said. One-third of the garden, Monaco added, will serve as a training ground for local youth interested in agriculture and horticulture.

“A community garden knits people together,” Monaco said. “There will be something for everybody.”

The death of her grandson in 2009 prompted Monaco to consider a community garden. The infant suffered a severe birth defect thought to sometimes be triggered by poor prenatal nutrition, Monaco said. She further decided that a community garden is needed to help feed people in the community and fight obesity and obesity-related diseases, Monaco said.

“We have obesity, heart disease, cancer and a myriad of illnesses that fresh food can wipe out,” Monaco said. “It feels good when you can do something that helps other people.”

Monaco went before the City Council in 2012 to propose a community garden. Lake Elsinore Citizens Corps volunteer John Larsen and Morsch soon joined the cause. Since receiving approval from council members in March, Monaco established a garden club. She is also heading the club’s five-member board.

“It’s not something that can be done with one person,” Monaco said. “It takes a mix of a lot of different people to make something work.”

Morsch added, “I see this as another opportunity to help Lake Elsinore. It’s something that all the people can get involved with in the city.”

If you’re interested in joining the garden club, volunteering or donating, please contact Monaco at sylviamonaco@gmail.com.