Share ideas for Tacoma's new community gardens at April 21 kickoff event Citizens are invited to help mold the future of Tacoma's new community garden program by attending the Community Gardens Kickoff from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, at the Evergreen Tacoma campus, 1210 Sixth Ave., Tacoma. Children are welcome to attend with their families. More than 150 people participated in a Community Garden Summit on March 20, where Mayor Marilyn Strickland announced that the City of Tacoma is supporting the growing interest in community gardening in a very tangible way: by creating seven new community gardens. "Community gardens are neighborhood spaces where people come together to grow both food and relationships with each other," said Kristi Lynett, City of Tacoma sustainability manager. The Community Gardens Kickoff on April 21 will be an opportunity for neighbors and community members to learn more about the new community garden efforts, as well as give input on the vision and management for each garden location. Each group of gardeners will be encouraged to create the type of gathering place they'd like to have in their neighborhoods. Topics to be addressed: * Purpose/vision for each neighborhood's garden * Garden design, including gathering spaces or other communal areas * Organizational structure * Timeline and plan for construction The new community gardens are located at: * 1400 S. 85th & Sheridan * South 25th & Grant Avenue * 57th Avenue Northeast and Norpoint Way * North 45th & Orchard * South 48th & Yakima * South 12th & Stevens * Portland Avenue & Wright Avenue To learn more or RSVP for the Community Gardens Kickoff, go to www.cityoftacoma.org/gardens<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/gardens>. For additional questions, call (253) 591-5414. ###