BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL
Eastvale – On the corner of Hellman Avenue and Chandler Street there is a parcel of land that sits vacant and unused. For years, people have driven past it and hoped that it would become something a little sightlier.
Councilmember Bill Link had just the right idea for what to do with it when he noticed a post on Facebook from a few Eastvale citizens expressing a desire for a Community Garden. Link responded right away and began to formulate a committee. After searching a few spots, the team decided to try and acquire this spot and make it into Eastvale’s first Community Garden.
Acting City Manager, Robert Van Nort, recently met with the Orange County Flood Control District (who technically owns the land) and the Army Corp of Engineers regarding the property. The next step will be to see how Eastvale can somehow acquire the lot.
“Of course we know that Orange County won’t just give us the property, but we are waiting to see whether we are able to lease or purchase the parcel, as it has great value to us and little value to Orange County,” said Link.
The possibility of something unattractive and neglected turning into a place of beauty and value has caught the attention of several interested parties. The Eastvale Garden Club – who gets together to exchange plants and gardening ideas – and a few other passionate folks, met with Link to discuss planning. After scouting a few places, the club is excited to see what comes of this “little idea”.
Members of the Eastvale Community Garden Committee hope to see this garden come to fruition in the next year. Committee member, Penny Hanstad, hopes that “the garden will be an asset to everyone in this community.”
