Residents, funders, and city and county officials celebrated the completion of the 26 Lincoln Street Community Garden with a ribbon cutting at the site on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 11 AM. "This is a group effort that has resulted in a beautiful community garden that can be enjoyed by neighborhood residents" said Rebecca Hilton who spearheaded the effort for the Gallatin Avenue Concerned Citizens Association (GACCA). The garden was developed on the site of a former vacant and dilapidated home that was demolished last year by the City of Uniontown, thanks to funding secured by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Uniontown (RACU).
A variety of vegetables were planted and harvested including tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, cabbage, brussel sprouts, beans, and corn. GACCA members helping Ms. Hilton in the construction of the garden included former GACCA President Chris Jones, and Randy and Tammy Eicher and their children, particularly sons Randy Jr., and Corey who spent many hours planting and shoveling. The Eichers, who live on Lincoln Street, also donated the use of their tools towards the project. Other Lincoln Street residents also participated. Mark Yauger, Executive Director of the RACU stated that "We hope to continue to work with residents to develop more gardens in the city". Also helping out were juveniles doing community service work through the Fayette County Office of Juvenile Probation.
The City of Uniontown donated topsoil for the project and the Community Foundation of Fayette County and Fay-Penn Economic Development Council generously gave grants for the construction of the garden. This funding has been used for the purchase of mushroom compost, mulch, and landscaping fabric.
Clara Pascoe, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Fayette County, was excited to be involved in the project: "The CFFC is very pleased to be part of the "greening" of Fayette County, and the new community garden is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood."
Bob Junk, Local Economy Manager for the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, said: "The grant is part of Fay-Penn's Fayette County Buy Local Network campaign created to help ensure the survival of our small towns, local businesses and family farms. Producing and buying local will also improve the health of our residents and the environment".