Those who participate in Hilliard’s community garden program will notice a new wooden produce stand at the Senior Center gardens this spring.
William Ferris, a senior at St. Charles Preparatory School and member of Scout Troop 298, completed the project as part of his Eagle Scout certification.
Hilliard Recreation and Parks Department offers community garden plots near the Senior Center and Leap Road to both novice and expert gardeners. Plots are equipped with access to water and a prepared planting bed.
The Hilliard teen knew he wanted to complete a project that would positively impact the community he lives in, so he reached out to Hayley Bush, Volunteer Coordinator for the City of Hilliard.
“I started looking for Eagle Scout projects in May and got in touch with Hayley, who recommended I build a produce stand,” Ferris said.
The rest is history. Ferris completed the project in fall 2021 and the City obtained the stand in December, after Ferris earned the rank of Eagle.
“The vegetable stand will create even more community among gardens,” Bush said. “Participants are known to share gardening tip and tricks, and now they will be able to share produce and seeds with each other.”
The eight foot tall covered wooden stand is complete with double doors, shelves, and ventilation for produce.
“In addition to vegetables, seeds and tools can be stored in the stand,” Ferris said. “Some of the gardeners I know said they always have a lot of leftover seeds that end up going to waste.”
Ferris said his favorite part of the project was getting his hands dirty during the construction phase.
The City plans to partner with more Eagle Scouts in the future, with hopes of adding benches and a kiosk to the community gardens.
Look for the new vegetable stand near the Senior Center this spring. For more information on Hilliard’s community garden program, click here.
