(Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNEWSToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Root Cellar Community Garden adds fence for security following acts of vandalism

Jun 4, 2022 | 7:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- The Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub says their community garden is open to the public, but a gated entrance has been added, in order to address security concerns.

Warren Stark chair of the organization said the the Root Cellar building has been the subject of vandalism in recent months, and a consultation with the Medicine Hat Police Service recommended greater security.

“We did have some vandalism in the back and a break in. So we have been monitoring it since we have moved in. And unfortunately we have had to take a measured response in order to keep our equipment safe, and also make sure our staff, and volunteers are safe when they are using that area,” Stark said

The area where the community garden resides houses critical Root Cellar equipment, merchandise, and vehicles that are essential to day-to-day programming. Stark said because of that, operationally the Root Cellar is unable to have the community garden open 24/7.

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But residents can still access the community gardens from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The community garden initiative aims to teach families where food comes from.

Stark said he is very excited for the community garden program, and is especially grateful for the support so far.

“I really want to thank the volunteers, and our donors for making it a reality. From putting the boxes together to the irrigation system. We are very excited about the gardens and the programming for this summer,” he said.