Green Thumbs Needed For Community Garden At Riker Hill Art Park

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Want to help beautify one of the “hidden gems” of Essex County?

Essex County officials recently announced that applications for the new Community Gardens in Riker Hill Art Park in Livingston are now being accepted.

The Community Garden area was created as part of the most recent phase of improvements completed last year at Riker Hill Art Park. The county purchased the former 42-acre U.S. Army Nike missile base from the federal government in 1974, converting the property into a park that offers studio space for dozens of artists in residence.

• See related article: Army Base To Art Park: $1M Facelift At 'Hidden Gem' In Livingston

The spring 2020 planting season will be the first time that the Community Gardens at Riker Hill will be available for public use. The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 31.

According to county officials:

“Each plot is 10-by-4 feet in size and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Essex County residents will be given preference and residents completing the application must be at least 18 years of age. The rental fee for the first season is $50 per plot for Essex County residents; $65 per plot for out of county residents.”

County officials added:

“Residents who are provided use of a plot will be responsible for maintaining their own garden as well as keeping the area around the Community Gardens neat and clean. Gardeners must control weeds, pests and vegetative disease with organic products only. Gardeners who do not maintain their plot, do not assist with the general maintenance of the gardens or abandon their responsibility may lose their privilege.”

Interested gardeners can obtain an application online.

“These are the first Community Gardens made available to the public in our Parks System and are part of our ongoing commitment to provide activities that meet the changing needs of our residents,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“Riker Hill always has been a dynamic location for artistic expression, and we are looking forward to working with gardeners who have that same level of energy and enthusiasm,” DiVincenzo said. “The Community Gardens present another way to enjoy our open spaces and will bring new activity to Riker Hill.”

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