With positive feedback from city council members, residents of Rochester Hills now have the opportunity to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs in their city’s first currently developing community garden.

Mayor Bryan Barnett outlined his plan for the community garden during a 7 p.m. city council meeting Feb. 11. His plan entails for the garden to be built at Wabash Park, located west of Rochester Road.

The park is located in close proximity to Hampton Circle and Northridge Apartments, two of the largest apartment complexes in the area. This central location will be especially beneficial for all apartment or condominium residents who don’t have the opportunity to grow crops in their backyards, according to Barnett.

“Community gardens are places where neighbors can gather to cultivate plants, vegetables and fruits. Such gardens can improve nutrition, physical activity, community engagement, safety and economic vitality for a neighborhood and its residents,” Barnett said.

Similar to the Rochester Community Garden, the Rochester Hills Community Garden will be managed by the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve. The garden will be fenced to protect plants from deer and a water station will be placed at the center.

In addition, 108 4-foot-by-4-foot raised beds will be available for Rochester Hills’ residents to purchase.

“Not only have we seen that there’s a need in the residents requesting this, but there’s actually companies and businesses that want to support our initiative,” said Tara Beatty, the mayor’s chief assistant and grant coordinator.

Beatty has engaged partners with Home Depot and Recycle Bank, and $2,500 in funds have been offered to help with the initial phase. Along with the help of partners, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Brooksie Way have presented potential grants to further help with the city’s first Community Garden plan.

“Things like the final list of rules, and how we’ll actually govern this little organization have yet to be spelled out. But this isn’t a money maker for the city,” Barnett said at the council meeting.

If all goes according to plan, the Rochester Hills Community Garden will be built in time for growing season this spring.