Seeds of a community garden project have been planted in the minds of Verona residents.

Borough parks and recreation board members hope to find a spot soon and break ground next year.

“A shared garden can empower a community by increasing access to healthy, fresh produce and pollinator-friendly places while fostering a connection between people, food, our urban ecosystem and the earth,” said board member Rhea Homa. “For me, this garden isn’t only about bringing people together and beautifying our town, it’s also about sharing the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of gardening with anyone who participates or enjoys the area.”

The recreation board sent out a survey in August to gauge public opinion about the project.

Homa said 30 people responded; they want a community garden.

The project is being spearheaded by a rec board subcommittee called SEE Green.

SEE stands for social equity, environmental quality and economic development.

Homa, Laura Jacko and Trish Hredzak-Showalter are its members.

Jacko said the idea for the garden was formed a few years ago, and project planning got underway in December.

Possible locations include Railroad Park near the borough building, a vacant lot along Second Street and some borough-owned space along Vogel Street.

“We really don’t know which one’s going to end up panning out, and at the end of the day it could be none of these,” Jacko said. “There’s nothing set in stone or committed to in any way, shape or form. (Verona’s) a very urban environment and very developed.”

The committee discussed having vegetables, herbs and flowers in the garden, which might include raised beds like community gardens in other municipalities.

Borough council recently passed a motion supporting the project, and the rec board’s application to the nonprofit Grow Pittsburgh to help the garden come to fruition.

“I think there are a lot of people that are excited to help out with it,” Councilman Dave Matlin said. “There’s a lot of different people that seem to be involved in helping to plan it, and it’s going to give people the opportunity to help with a green space that would provide produce for different people in the community that want it or need it.

“It will be a place for people to volunteer. It will be a place for people to give back to their community, to meet other neighbors. And they can get healthy food in return.”

Grow Pittsburgh’s mission is to teach people how to grow food and to promote the benefits that gardens bring to neighborhoods.

“We’re really grateful to have them around because they’ve given us a good road map to get started,” Jacko said.

Verona, a community of less than one square mile, was incorporated in 1871.

Jacko hopes they can break ground on the garden next year to help commemorate the borough’s 150th anniversary.

“I just want to see Verona continue to move upward and onward,” she said.

A virtual public meeting to further discuss garden options is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 21.

Residents who want the Zoom link to the meeting or want to comment on the project can email veronaparksandrec@gmail.com.

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