Historic Manheim Park Garden

For Immediate Release

November 18, 2011

Historic Manheim Park Meets the “Challenge”

On a beautiful autumn day, on a former vacant lot, the Missouri Department of Agriculture honored the Historic Manheim Park Community Garden as the 9,000th Missouri Community Garden to accept its’ 10,000 Garden Challenge”. This program, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, encourages communities across the State to organize and start gardening.

“It’s a really wonderful garden, and an excellent example of the emphasis the Kansas City area has put into community gardening,” said Dr. Jon Hagler, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “The last two gift certificate winners in the 10,000 Garden Challenge have been part of community gardens and it has been outstanding to see everyone working alongside their neighbors and to hear our gardeners’ stories – especially those in the urban areas who have shown such creativity and initiative in bringing their communities together.” 

The Challenge guidelines stipulate that every time 1,000 gardens register on the Department of Agriculture website, a drawing is held to determine the winner of a $500 gift certificate from Tractor Supply.

“The food is wonderful, but it is not just about the food,” said Manheim Park resident Kate Kilgore, who submitted the winning registration. “The real enjoyment comes from digging in the dirt and making friends with the other gardeners.”

“We really appreciate the $500 prize,” stated Augusta Wilbon of Neighborhood Housing Services. “NHS has provided the land for the garden for over 15 years, and helps pay some of the expenses." 

“I am very happy that the Manheim Park Community Garden was selected for this recognition,” said Mark Stalsworth, President/CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services.  “The residents have worked hard to make this a real neighborhood asset, and they are to be commended for their efforts.”

Gardeners interested in registering their gardens for the 10,000 Garden Challenge can do so by visiting www.AgriMissouri.com.

 Neighborhood Housing Services is located at 5835 Troost, Kansas City, Missouri 64110.  Its mission is to revitalize and maintain urban neighborhoods as vibrant areas that attract people who value diversity, historic architecture, security and community.

 For more information about Neighborhood Housing Services, programs or services, please call 816-822-7703 or visit the website at www.nhsofkcmo.org.

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