Community Garden Reservations Open

Now that the city’s 77-parcel community garden at the former Kinoshita Farm is ready for planting--starting Sept. 23--residents can start reserving plots on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents will have 30 days to register for a parcel at the gardens, located at Camino del Avion and Alipaz Street. Beginning on Oct. 23, nonresidents can submit applications.

Tonight the City Council will discuss how fees and regulations for the gardens will be determined.

Depending on the size of the plot, residents will pay $15 to $35 a year and nonresidents $30 to $70. Plot sizes range from 200 to 580 square feet.

People will be allowed to plant vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers.

The gardens are part of the $2.5-million, 18-acre San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, which was built with tax money after residents approved a $21-million bond measure in 1990 to buy farmland to preserve the area’s rustic charm.

“The residents actually are the ones who paid for the gardens through the open space bond measure,” said Al King, community services director. “That’s why we’re giving them a head start to reserve parcels” in advance of nonresidents.

Garden applications are available at the Community Services Department, 31421 La Matanza. Information: (714) 493-5911.