As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, many hands make light work of a garden cleanup at the Pumpkin Patch Community Garden, overlooking the Spokane River at the corner of Argonne Road and Maringo Drive.
Millwood Impact Operations Director Jeremy Clark is among the cleanup crew.
Over the past few years, he has seen dozens of children in the Millwood Impact after-school program make memories in the garden, digging through the dirt, sowing seeds, or looking for insects. The land is owned by Inland Empire Paper Company, and they graciously allow the nonprofit to use it, according to Jeremy.
“We hope these kids will begin to see themselves as gardeners,” Jeremy said. “We want them to have enough experience so they can continue gardening at home or with us as they grow older.”
Millwood Impact is taking on a bigger role in managing the community garden, according to Jeremy. But as a small nonprofit, it can be tough to make everything happen.
That’s why a grant from the Avista Foundation in 2024 was so impactful.
The Avista Foundation is a community investment program that provides funding to nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of communities within Avista’s service area. It is a separate, nonprofit organization established by Avista Corp. and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities or AEL&P customers through rates.
“The Avista Foundation’s support came at the perfect time. We were able to use the funds to do some overdue maintenance and cleanup, making the garden even more inviting,” Jeremy said.
“The Avista Foundation believes in the power of community spaces to make a real difference. It’s wonderful to see how this garden is bringing people together and teaching children valuable life skills,” said Avista Foundation Executive Director Kristine Meyer.
Millwood Impact’s vision extends beyond just gardening. “If the garden can become enough of a community space, the kids and families will feel more connected,” he said. “And it’s a way for us to stay linked to the kids long term.”
As fall cleanup wraps up for the season, there is an added sense of community and shared purpose. Families and volunteers work together to clear out old plants, compost leaves, and prepare the soil for winter, looking forward to next year when new opportunities will bloom.
“This garden is not just an acre of land sitting; it’s an active part of this community,” Jeremy emphasized. “The more we can lean into community spaces that are welcoming to everybody, the better off we’ll be.”