Saving the 4th East Garden
In 2006, Wasatch Community Gardens learned that the land upon which the 4th East Garden is located was to be sold. Despite quickly rallying to raise significant funds and support, our initial offer was uncompetitive, and the land was purchased by the Community Development Corporation of Utah. Prospects looked dark in the spring of 2007, and our community gardeners prepared for their last season in this special place.
However, after learning more about Wasatch Community Gardens, and that the loss of the property would come at the expense of an irreplaceable urban community garden, the Community Development Corporation of Utah decided to sell the land to us at cost. Thus began a frenzy of activity, from the first grants submitted in the fall of 2007 and continuing unabated through the final fundraising event at Squatters Pub Brewery, raising in the end over a quarter of a million dollars.
The time, effort, passion, creativity, and commitment given by so many people to purchase the 4th East Garden and save it as a community garden for perpetuity has been simply overwhelming. From the Wasatch Community Gardens staff and board, to the gardeners, volunteers, and the hundreds of donors large and small, everyone involved was determined to save this precious spot of green in the middle of the city. And now, thanks to the incredible outpouring of support from the community, and the hard work of those dedicated to the garden’s continued life, the 4th East Garden will remain a vibrant open space for Salt Lake residents to enjoy and benefit from.
Wasatch Community Gardens would like to extend a special thanks to the Mayor and City Council, and the City’s Open Space Lands Program, for providing half of the funds to make the purchase possible. And of course, a huge thank you to absolutely everyone who donated their time, money and energy to save the 4th East Garden for generations to come!