McDowell Mountain Community Garden Presentation

M. Preston ClarkeCo-Founder

Preston@MMRGarden.Org

Special Thanks to MMR Homes for their continued support!

WHAT?

A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people.

WHO?

We're just a group of local people interested in gardening and our community.

We share the belief that community gardening can provide a terrific focal point for the McDowell Mountain Ranch community, something that will draw people out and get them involved.

WHY?

Benefits of Community Gardens:• Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development• Stimulates social interaction• Creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and

education• Provides opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural

connections• Beautifies neighborhoods• Produces nutritious food• Encourages self-reliance• Reduces family food budgets• Conserves resources• Preserves green space• Creates income opportunities and economic development

WHERE?

Southwest corner of 104th Street & McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd

McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd 104th S

t

105th S

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PROPERTY FACTS

• Currently zoned for Open Space.• Two parcels:

• 217-14-003J, Owned by Scottsdale Unified School District #48

• 217-14-969, Owned by the City of Scottsdale

• Adjacent to:• Existing 95 space parking lot• McDowell Mountain Trailhead• Desert Canyon Middle School• Desert Canyon Shopping Center (Whitestone REIT)

• Pre-existing water and power sources

INFASTRUCTURE ELEMENTS

• Gated entrance• Fenced enclosure• Equipment shed• Covered stage / general

purpose space• Rain catchment system• Solar power• Security / live video feed

cameras

GARDEN ELEMENTS

• Individual plots• Communal plots• Citrus grove• Native desert plants• Herb garden• Compost• Earthworm garden

LAYOUT EXAMPLE

Design by: MTH Design Group (www.MTHDesignGroup.com)

DESIGN EXAMPLES

POTENTIAL USES

• Personal Gardening• Communal Gardening• Workshops: Gardening,

cooking, music, etc.• After school programs: Girl

Scouts, Desert Canyon School classes, etc.

• Picnic Lunches• Farmers market

WHO CAN USE THE GARDEN?

MMRCG will be open to all.

• Individual plots will be rented for a small yearly fee.

• Communal plots will be available to everyone.

• General use space will be available to all residents of McDowell Mountain Ranch.

LEADERSHIP

The intention is to form volunteer committees to govern and manage the MMR Community Garden.

Volunteers Committees:• Steering Committee• Social Events & Community Outreach• Sponsorship• Operation/ Maintenance

BUDGET

Yearly Estimated Cost:

Maintenance $5,000

Plants & Flowers $2,000

Utilities $2,000

Legal & Tax $2,000

TOTAL $11,000

Initial Estimated Cost:

Planning/ Design $7,500

Plants & Flowers $5,000

Ground Cover $2,500

Infrastructure $25,000

Fence $20,000

Tools $4,000

TOTAL $64,000

SPONSORSHIP

MMRCG intends to seek technical, product, and financial support from:• Local business• National business with a local presence• MMR Home Owner Associations• MMR Residents• Community Garden funds

SPONSORSHIP LEVELSX

Sunshine Sponsor Harvester

Master Gardener

Blossom Sponsor

Green Thumb Sponsor

Bee Sponsor Bulb Seed

X $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500 $250 $100 $25 Available 2 2 4 10 20 20 20 20

Participate in Grand Opening Ceremony X XVerbal Recognition at Grand Opening X X X XFounding Sponsor Plaque X X X X X XBuilding Sponsor w/ Plaque XGarden Table or Bench X XPlanter Box X XPathway Sign X XBirdhouse XPlant a Tree XStepping Stone X X XLogo and link on MMRCG Website X X X X XFeatured in Newsletter X X X X XSocial Media Mention (Facebook & Twitter) X X X XPress Release Inclusion X X X X X XCertificate of Recognition X X X X X X X X

• Covered Stage• Shed• Entrance• Fence• Planter Beds• Solar Power System• Rain Catchment System• Irrigation System

• Tools• Security System

Potential Sponsorship Areas:

TIMELINE

• Spring 2014:• Form initial committees• Approach local business to support marketing efforts

• Summer 2014:• Finalize landscape design plan & phases• Approach property owners (city/school) to petition for

use of the land

• Fall 2014:• Begin campaign drive to raise money for MMRCG

• Winter 2015:• Begin construction of MMRCG

TAKE ACTION NOW

What you can do now:• Donate: MMRGarden.org/Donate

• Tell your friends to ‘Like’ us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MMRCommunityGarden

• Sign up for the MMRCG Newsletter at www.MMRGarden.Org

• Show your interest in volunteering by using the form at: www.MMRGarden.Org/support-us

• Introduce us to anyone with connections to the city, schools, gardeners, and sponsors.

THANKS!

Thanks for taking the time to listen to our presentation.