Medina Village Board asked to allow community garden on village property

Garden on municipal land would make site eligible for grant through Health Department

Photo by Tom Rivers: Megan Wakefield, leader of the Medina Community garden, speaks during Monday’s Village Board meeting. Pictured, from right to left, include Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, Deputy Mayor Jess Marciano, Trustee Debbie Padoleski and Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess.

MEDINA – The Medina Community Garden had a successful first year in 2025 despite the drought-like conditions, said Megan Wakefield, leader of the garden.

The site was in a backyard on Bernzomatic Drive, on the east side of the village.  Wakefield said the garden produced crops despite a lack of rain for much of the growing season.

She would like to see the community garden in a more centrally located part of the village. She asked the Village Board to allow part of the green space on Park Avenue, between the village office and West Avenue.

Not only would that be in a more accessible location for the public, but Wakefield said it would also make the community garden eligible for grants through the local health departmet. To be eligible, the garden needs to be on municipal land, she said.

Mayor Merguerite Sherman commended wakefield for her efforts with the community garden, but the mayor said the village land by the village office is being eyed for an expanded parking lot especially if an addition in put on the fire hall at part of an existing parking lot.

Wakefield said she has scouted sites in the village for the garden that is on village-owned land, but 121 Park Ave. seems like the best location.

The grant from the health department could pay for raised beds, which Sherman and other Village Board members could make it easier to have the garden on village property.

Wakefield was asked about land by the compost facility and dog park on North Gravel Road, but she said that location would be too far for many community members.

She was also asked about village land behind the Medina Theater. Wakefield said she would look at it, including with the potential for raised beds.

Board members said they support the garden and want to try to find a suitable location.

Wakefield said the community garden can help many residents facing food insecurity.