HomeMy WebLinkAboutStory Mill Community Park Public Comment from Kareen Erbe 3-19-14From:Kareen Erbe
To:Agenda
Subject:support for Story Mill Community Park
Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2014 8:02:31 AM
Dear Members of the Bozeman City Commission,
I am writing to express my support for the proposed Story Mill Community Park. Asa potential neighbor of the park and a small business owner, I think this park is anincredible opportunity for Bozeman.
I live at 1505 Bridger Drive, just east of Story Mill Road. My daily commute to townoften involves taking Story Mill Road and/or the Story Mill Spur Trail. As a result, Iam reminded, daily, of the potential of that area and the need to revitalize what haslong been a neglected part of Bozeman. In addition, I am neighbors with thegrowing Legends of Bridger Creek subdivision. So many young families are movingto this part of Bozeman and the park would provide a wonderful recreational andeducational opportunity for those that live nearby.
As the owner of the small business, Broken Ground, which provides education,consultation and design services for edible gardens, I have been working with theTrust for Public Land on the idea of incorporating an Edible Forest Park into thecommunity agriculture component of the larger park. This Edible Forest Park wouldincorporate fruit trees, berry bushes and perennial edible plants that would illustratewhat can be grown in our climate and would represent an incredible resource for thecommunity. Among many benefits, this Edible Forest Park would fit into the city'sclimate action plan with regards to food, water and waste, could potentially supplythe food bank with fresh fruits and vegetables and offer a compelling learningopportunity for school children to be exposed to natural ecosystems that can also befood-producing.
Working on this small component of the park proposal, I have already seen thepotential to partner with a variety of different organizations; local business owners,MSU, conservation non-profits, Gallatin Valley Farm to School, Gallatin Valley FoodBank, the Boys and Girls Club and local growers could all be involved. There isincredible potential for partnership on a city-wide scale.
The Story Mill Community Park has so many benefits on an ecological, recreational,educational and community-building level, it is certainly not an opportunity to bemissed. I fully support this project and am committed to seeing the park's visioncome to fruition.
Thank you so much for your time and for the opportunity to voice my support.
Sincerely, Kareen Erbe1505 Bridger DriveBozeman, MT 59715406-600-7881kareen.erbe@gmail.com