Prairie Parkway Garden teaches healthy living

A collaborative community space designed to teach about healthy living and eating through gardening is just across from south campus behind the UnityPoint Clinic on Prairie Parkway. 

On a bright and chilly April afternoon, 26 volunteers, including five residents of WHC, descended on the Prairie Parkway Garden for its spring cleanup and facelift. 

The Cedar Falls Lions Club sponsors the project as part of its cause to improve the lives of people living with diabetes, although it will also benefit anyone who wants to learn about a healthier lifestyle through gardening and nutrition. UnityPoint allowed its space to be used for the effort. 

“There are 24 raised beds for easy accessibility as well as eight row crop areas,” says villa resident Rich Congdon, a master gardener, Lions Club member and designated garden leader.  “We also have space for tepee trellises, caging plants, experiential growing, a melon and vine field and a raspberry patch.”   

Already this spring, volunteers built a shed for equipment and supplies and planted six varieties of onions. Soon, 20 varieties of tomatoes will be put in the ground.  A greenhouse will soon be added to extend the growing season.  

Rich plans to be on site at the garden most days and invites anyone who wants to learn more to stop by.   

How to get involved 

Visit parkwaygarden.org to find a list of volunteer opportunities, free classes, instructional videos and more, plus online registration. 

Unity Shorts will be fun, educational and short sessions offered for free at the garden several times starting in June.  Children may attend with an adult.  Find the schedule online. 

Soil to Supper classes will be held once a month starting in June. These three-hour sessions start in the garden and end in the kitchen. Classes are limited to 20 participants and cost $45 per person.  Register at the website.