By Sam Elliott

Registration is now open — and expected to be filled quickly — for the City of Fishers’ first community garden.

The project is one Fishers Parks & Recreation Director Tony Elliott said has been on the department’s wish list for some time now.

“There have been a lot of questions and demand from residents for this type of offering,” Elliott said. “It’s something we’ve looked at for our parks for a long time, but just haven’t had the right opportunity or space to do it.”

The community garden will be located in Cyntheanne Park and will include 50 plots available for rent. Of those 50 plots, 20 will be allocated for conventional gardening and 20 will be for organic gardening. The remaining 10 plots will be raised off the ground for easier access so gardeners don’t have to always be bent over to reach the soil.

“We’ve heard a fair number of requests already and people are interested in the program and we’re excited to get it going.,” Elliott said. “It’s a really unique opportunity for residents to get outdoors and really engage in the farm-to-fork local food movement. People can grow their own tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs or whatever they might grow and can use in their home.”

The 10 raised plots will measure 4 feet by 10 feet while the other 40 plots will be 10 feet by 10 feet.

“It’s $20 for the season to rent a plot. The season is essentially when the ground is ready, so approximately April 15 through Oct. 31,” Elliott said. “I suspect they will sell out pretty quickly. All registrations must be done in person at the Parks & Recreation offices.

The Fishers Parks & Recreation offices are located at 11565 Brooks School Rd. and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.